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Quantum field theory for condensed matter physics
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This course is being given in Michaelmas 2012. It aims to give a
brief introduction to quantum field theory for first-year graduate
students in experimental condensed matter physics. The course assumes
undergraduate quantum mechanics and undergraduate condensed matter
physics. (An older version of this course
was given from 1997-2002)
Introduction Why study this subject? First, quantum field
theory provides a beautiful and elegant description of the Universe
in which we live. Second, the ideas of quantum field theory are
foundational for condensed matter physics. Third, even if you are an
experimentalist, you will read papers by theorists who invoke ideas
from quantum field theory. This course is too brief to give you
professional proficiency in the subject, but hopefully it will convey
some of the key ideas and provide a springboard for further study.
Synopsis
1. Creation and annihilation operators and the harmonic oscillator
2. Coherent states
3. Lagrangians
4. The Hubbard model
5. Quantum fields
6. How to write down a theory
7. Symmetry and transformations
8. Broken symmetry
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- Course-related links
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- Quantum theory-related links
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(Updated: October 2012)
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