Module manager: Dr Zlatko Papic
Email: Z.Papic@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Level 3 Physics or equivalent.
| PHYS3382 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The understanding of quantum many-body systems is one of the main challenges of modern physics. Such systems exemplify the paradigm “More is Different” – they have emergent properties which cannot be explained by studying their individual constituent particles. Examples include superfluids, superconductors, and newly discovered topological phases of matter. This module provides a foundation for quantum many-body systems based on the mathematical formalism of second quantisation and the ideas from quantum information such as entanglement. The module will take you to the cutting edge of research into quantum many-body systems, highlighting their fundamental role in condensed matter and high-energy physics, but also their promising applications in quantum computing.
On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of common physical laws that govern the physics of quantum systems comprising many interacting particles. Identify relevant principles and apply them to solve specific problems using the methods of quantum many-body physics.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Understand and apply the methods of second quantisation to systems of fermions and bosons
2. Study the properties of quantum spin chains via Jordan-Wigner transformation and mapping to Majorana fermions
3. Define the concept of classical and quantum information, correlation and entanglement
4. Understand the concept of a phase of matter, symmetry-breaking order and topological order
5. Explain the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking and quantum phase transition.
“More is Different”; Harmonic oscillators and quantum fields, second quantisation; Quantum spin chains, Majorana fermions; Spontaneous symmetry breaking and quantum phase transition; Quantum and classical information and correlation, quantum entanglement; Topological phases of matter and quantum computation.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Seminar | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 124 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 26 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
As part of independent learning (128hrs), the students are expected to work through the lecture notes, solve homework problems and work on their final essay.
The monitoring of student progress will be performed regularly via the homework sets. In weeks 5 and 11, the standard module survey will take place.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Problem Sheet | Problem Sheets | 40 |
| Essay | Essay | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments, in order to pass the module overall.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 5/23/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team