Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2019

Physics Master Information
Core Courses
One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics.
For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration (Link) after having received the credits.
Core Courses: Theoretical Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0871-00LSolid State Theory
UZH students are not allowed to register this course unit at ETH. They must book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
W10 credits4V + 1UT. Neupert
AbstractThe course is addressed to students in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and provides a theoretical introduction to a variety of important concepts used in this field.
ObjectiveThe course provides a theoretical frame for the understanding of basic pinciples in solid state physics. Such a frame includes the topics of symmetries, band structures, many body interactions, Landau Fermi-liquid theory, and specific topics such as transport, superconductivity, or magnetism. The exercises illustrate the various themes in the lecture and help to develop problem-solving skills. The student understands basic concepts in solid state physics and is able to solve simple problems. No diagrammatic tools will be developed.
ContentThe course is addressed to students in experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics and provides a theoretical introduction to a variety of important concepts used in this field. The following subjects will be covered: Symmetries and their handling via group theoretical concepts, electronic structure in crystals, insulators-semiconductors-metals, phonons, interaction effects, (un-)screened Fermi-liquids, linear response theory, collective modes, screening, transport in semiconductors and metals, magnetism, Mott-insulators, quantum-Hall effect, superconductivity.
Lecture notesin English
402-0844-00LQuantum Field Theory II
UZH students are not allowed to register this course unit at ETH. They must book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
W10 credits3V + 2UM. Grazzini
AbstractThe subject of the course is modern applications of quantum field theory with emphasis on the quantization of non-abelian gauge theories.
ObjectiveThe goal of this course is to lay down the path integral formulation of quantum field theories and in particular to provide a solid basis for the study of non-abelian gauge theories and of the Standard Model
ContentThe following topics will be covered:
- path integral quantization
- non-abelian gauge theories and their quantization
- systematics of renormalization, including BRST symmetries,
Slavnov-Taylor Identities and the Callan Symanzik equation
- the Goldstone theorem and the Higgs mechanism
- gauge theories with spontaneous symmetry breaking and
their quantization
- renormalization of spontaneously broken gauge theories and
quantum effective actions
LiteratureM.E. Peskin and D.V. Schroeder, "An introduction to Quantum Field Theory", Perseus (1995).
S. Pokorski, "Gauge Field Theories" (2nd Edition), Cambridge Univ. Press (2000)
P. Ramond, "Field Theory: A Modern Primer" (2nd Edition), Westview Press (1990)
S. Weinberg, "The Quantum Theory of Fields" (Volume 2), CUP (1996).
402-0394-00LTheoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology
UZH students are not allowed to register this course unit at ETH. They must book the corresponding module directly at UZH.
W10 credits4V + 2UL. M. Mayer, J. Yoo
AbstractThis is the second of a two course series which starts with "General Relativity" and continues in the spring with "Theoretical Astrophysics and Cosmology", where the focus will be on applying general relativity to cosmology as well as developing the modern theory of structure formation in a cold dark matter Universe.
ObjectiveLearning the fundamentals of modern physical cosmology. This
entails understanding the physical principles behind the description
of the homogeneous Universe on large scales in the first part of the
course, and moving on to the inhomogeneous Universe model where
perturbation theory is used to study the development of structure
through gravitational instability in the second part of the course.
Modern notions of dark matter and dark energy will also be introduced and discussed.
ContentThe course will cover the following topics:
- Homogeneous cosmology
- Thermal history of the universe, recombination, baryogenesis and nucleosynthesis
- Dark matter and Dark Energy
- Inflation
- Perturbation theory: Relativistic and Newtonian
- Model of structure formation and initial conditions from Inflation
- Cosmic microwave background anisotropies
- Spherical collapse and galaxy formation
- Large scale structure and cosmological probes
LiteratureSuggested textbooks:
H.Mo, F. Van den Bosch, S. White: Galaxy Formation and Evolution
S. Carroll: Space-Time and Geometry: An Introduction to General Relativity
S. Dodelson: Modern Cosmology
Secondary textbooks:
S. Weinberg: Gravitation and Cosmology
V. Mukhanov: Physical Foundations of Cosmology
E. W. Kolb and M. S. Turner: The Early Universe
N. Straumann: General relativity with applications to astrophysics
A. Liddle and D. Lyth: Cosmological Inflation and Large Scale Structure
Prerequisites / NoticeKnowledge of General Relativity is recommended.
Core Courses: Experimental Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0448-01LQuantum Information Processing I: Concepts
This theory part QIP I together with the experimental part 402-0448-02L QIP II (both offered in the Spring Semester) combine to the core course in experimental physics "Quantum Information Processing" (totally 10 ECTS credits). This applies to the Master's degree programme in Physics.
W5 credits2V + 1UL. Pacheco Cañamero B. del Rio
AbstractThe course will cover the key concepts and ideas of quantum information processing, including descriptions of quantum algorithms which give the quantum computer the power to compute problems outside the reach of any classical supercomputer. Key concepts such as quantum error correction will be described. These ideas provide fundamental insights into the nature of quantum states and measurement.
ObjectiveWe aim to provide an overview of the central concepts in Quantum Information Processing, including insights into the advantages to be gained from using quantum mechanics and the range of techniques based on quantum error correction which enable the elimination of noise.
ContentThe topics covered in the course will include
1. Entanglement
2. Circuits, circuit elements, universality
3. Efficiency ideas, Gottesmann Knill
4. Teleportation + dense coding
5. Swapping/Gate Teleportation
6. Algorithms: Shor, Grover,
7. Deutsch-Josza, simulations of local systems
8. Cryptography
9. Error correction, basic circuit,
10. ideas of construction, Fault-tolerant design,
Lecture notesWill be made available on the Moodle for the course. More details to follow.
LiteratureQuantum Computation and Quantum Information
Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
Cambridge University Press
402-0448-02LQuantum Information Processing II: Implementations
This experimental part QIP II together with the theory part 402-0448-01L QIP I (both offered in the Spring Semester) combine to the core course in experimental physics "Quantum Information Processing" (totally 10 ECTS credits). This applies to the Master's degree programme in Physics.
W5 credits2V + 1UA. Imamoglu
AbstractIntroduction to experimental systems for quantum information processing (QIP). Quantum bits. Coherent Control. Measurement. Decoherence. Microscopic and macroscopic quantum systems. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Photons. Ions and neutral atoms in electromagnetic traps. Charges and spins in quantum dots and NV centers. Charges and flux quanta in superconducting circuits. Novel hybrid systems.
ObjectiveThroughout the past 20 years the realm of quantum physics has entered the domain of information technology in more and more prominent ways. Enormous progress in the physical sciences and in engineering and technology has allowed us to build novel types of information processors based on the concepts of quantum physics. In these processors information is stored in the quantum state of physical systems forming quantum bits (qubits). The interaction between qubits is controlled and the resulting states are read out on the level of single quanta in order to process information. Realizing such challenging tasks is believed to allow constructing an information processor much more powerful than a classical computer. This task is taken on by academic labs, startups and major industry. The aim of this class is to give a thorough introduction to physical implementations pursued in current research for realizing quantum information processors. The field of quantum information science is one of the fastest growing and most active domains of research in modern physics.
ContentIntroduction to experimental systems for quantum information processing (QIP).
- Quantum bits
- Coherent Control
- Measurement
- Decoherence
QIP with
- Ions
- Superconducting Circuits
- Photons
- NMR
- Rydberg atoms
- NV-centers
- Quantum dots
Lecture notesCourse material be made available at Link and on the Moodle platform for the course. More details to follow.
LiteratureQuantum Computation and Quantum Information
Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
Cambridge University Press
Prerequisites / NoticeThe class will be taught in English language.

Basic knowledge of concepts of quantum physics and quantum systems, e.g from courses such as Phyiscs III, Quantum Mechanics I and II or courses on topics such as atomic physics, solid state physics, quantum electronics are considered helpful.

More information on this class can be found on the web site Link
402-0702-00LPhenomenology of Particle Physics IIW10 credits3V + 2UA. Rubbia
AbstractIn PPP II the standard model of particle physics will be developed from the point of view of gauge invariance. The example of QED will introduce the essential concepts. Then we will treat both strong and electroweak interactions. Important examples like deep inelastic lepton-hadron scattering, e+e- -> fermion antifermion, and weak particle decays will be calculated in detail.
Objective
402-0264-00LAstrophysics IIW10 credits3V + 2UA. Amara
AbstractThe course examines various topics in astrophysics with an emphasis on physical processes occurring in an expanding Universe, from a time about 1 microsecond after the Big Bang, to the formation of galaxies and supermassive black holes within the next billion years.
ObjectiveThe course examines various topics in astrophysics with an emphasis on physical processes occurring in an expanding Universe. These include the Robertson-Walker metric, the Friedmann models, the thermal history of the Universe including Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, and introduction to Inflation, and the growth of structure through gravitational instability. Finally, the physics of the formation of cosmic structures, dark matter halos and galaxies is reviewed.
Prerequisites / NoticePrior completion of Astrophysics I is recommended but not required.
402-0265-00LAstrophysics IIIW10 credits3V + 2UH. M. Schmid
AbstractAstrophysics III is a course in Galactic Astrophysics. It introduces the concepts of stellar populations, stellar dynamics, interstellar medium, and star formation for understanding the physics and phenomenology of the different components of the Milky Way galaxy.
ObjectiveThe course should provide basic knowledge for first research projects in the field of star formation and interstellar matter. A strong emphasis is put on radiation processes and the determination of physical parameters from observations.
ContentAstrophysics III: Galactic Astrophysics

- components of the Milky Way: stars, ISM, dark matter,
- dynamics of the Milky Way and of different subcomponents,
- the physics of the interstellar medium,
- star formation and feedback, and
- the Milky Way origin and evolution.
Lecture notesA lecture script will be distributed.
Prerequisites / NoticePrior completion of Astrophysics I is recommended but not required.
Electives
Electives: Physics and Mathematics
Selection: Solid State Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0516-10LGroup Theory and its ApplicationsW12 credits3V + 3UD. Pescia
AbstractThis lecture introduces the fundamental concepts of group theory and its applications to general quantum mechanical and solid state physics problems. As symmetry is at the roots of quantum mechanics, this lecture is also a tutorial for students that would like to understand the practical side of the often difficult mathematical exposition of regular courses on quantum mechanics.
ObjectiveThe aim of this lecture is to give a fundamental knowledge on the application of symmetry in atoms, molecules and solids. The lecture is intended for students at the master and Phd. level in Physics that would like to have a practical and comprehensive view of the role of symmetry in physics. Students in their third year of Bachelor will be perfectly able to follow the lecture and can use it for their future master curriculuum. Students from other Departement are welcome, as the lecture is designed to be (almost) self-contained. As symmetry is omnipresent in science and in particular quantum mechanics, this lecture is also a tutorial on quantum mechanics for students that would like to understand what is behind the often difficult mathematical exposition of regular courses on quantum mechanics.
Content1. Abstract Group Theory and representation theory of groups
(Fundamentals of groups, Groups and geometry, Point and space groups, Representation theory of groups (H. Weyl, 1885-1955), Reducible and irreducible representations , Properties of irreducible representations, Characters of a representation and theorems involving them, Symmetry adapted vectors)

2. Group theory and eigenvalue problems (General introduction and practical examples)

3. Representations of continuous groups (the circle group, The full rotation group, atomic physics, the translation group and the Schrödinger representation of quantum mechanics, Cristal field splitting, The Peter-Weyl theorem, The Stone-von Neumann theorem, The Harisch-Chandra character)

4. Space groups and their representations (Elements of crystallography, irreducible representations of the space groups, Non-symmorphic space groups)

5. Kronecker (tensor) products (of vectors, of matrices, of groups, of representations)

6. Applications of tensor products (An introduction to the universal covering group, The universal covering group of SO3, SU(2), how to deal with the spin of the electron, Clebsch-Gordan coefficients, Double point groups, The Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for point groups, The Wigner-Eckart-Koster theorem and its applications)

7. (tentative) The application of symmetry to phase transitions (Landau).
Lecture notesA manuscript is made available.
Literature-B.L. van der Waerden, Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics, Springer Verlag. ("Old" but still modern).
- L.D. Landau, E.M. Lifshitz, Lehrbuch der Theor. Pyhsik, Band III, "Quantenmechanik", Akademie-Verlag Berlin, 1979, Kap. XII and
Ibidem, Band V, "Statistische Physik", Teil 1, Akademie-Verlag 1987, Kap. XIII and XIV. (Very concise and practical)
-A. Fässler, E. Stiefel, Group Theoretical Methods and Their applications, Birkhäuser. (A classical book on practical group theory, from a strong ETHZ school).
- C. Isham, Lectures on group and vector spaces for physicists, World Scientific. (More mathematical but very didactical)
402-0536-00LFerromagnetism: From Thin Films to SpintronicsW6 credits3GR. Allenspach
AbstractThis course extends the introductory course "Introduction to Magnetism" to the latest, modern topics in research in magnetism and spintronics.
After a short revisit of the basic magnetism concepts, emphasis is put on novel phenomena in (ultra)thin films and small magnetic structures, displaying effects not encountered in bulk magnetism.
ObjectiveKnowing the most important concepts and applications of ferromagnetism, in particular on the nanoscale (thin films, small structures). Being able to read and understand scientific articles at the front of research in this area. Learn to know how and why magnetic storage, sensors, memories and logic concepts function. Learn to condense and present the results of a research articles so that colleagues understand.
ContentMagnetization curves, magnetic domains, magnetic anisotropy; novel effects in ultrathin magnetic films and multilayers: interlayer exchange, spin transport; magnetization dynamics, spin precession.
Applications: Magnetic data storage, magnetic memories, spin-based electronics, also called spintronics.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be handed out (in English).
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course can be easily followed with having attended the "Introduction to Magnetism" course before.
Language: English.
402-0318-00LSemiconductor Materials: Characterization, Processing and DevicesW6 credits2V + 1US. Schön, W. Wegscheider
AbstractThis course gives an introduction into the fundamentals of semiconductor materials. The main focus in this semester is on state-of-the-art characterization, semiconductor processing and devices.
ObjectiveBasic knowledge of semiconductor physics and technology. Application of this knowledge for state-of-the-art semiconductor device processing
Content1. Material characterization: structural and chemical methods
1.1 X-ray diffraction methods (Powder diffraction, HRXRD, XRR, RSM)
1.2 Electron microscopy Methods (SEM, EDX, TEM, STEM, EELS)
1.3 SIMS, RBS
2. Material characterization: electronic methods
2.1 van der Pauw techniquel2.2 Floating zone method
2.2 Hall effect
2.3 Cyclotron resonance spectroscopy
2.4. Quantum Hall effect
3. Material characterization: Optical methods
3.1 Absorption methods
3.2 Photoluminescence methods
3.3 FTIR, Raman spectroscopy
4. Semiconductor processing: lithography
4.1 Optical lithography methods
4.2 Electron beam lithography
4.3 FIB lithography
4.4 Scanning probe lithography
4.5 Direct growth methods (CEO, Nanowires)
5. Semiconductor processing: structuring of layers and devices
5.1 Wet etching methods
5.2 Dry etching methods (RIE, ICP, ion milling)
5.3 Physical vapor depositon methods (thermal, e-beam, sputtering)
5.4 Chemical vapor Deposition methods (PECVD, LPCVD, ALD)
5.5 Cleanroom basics & tour
6. Semiconductor devices
6.1 Semiconductor lasers
6.2 LED & detectors
6.3 Solar cells
6.4 Transistors (FET, HBT, HEMT)
Lecture notesLink
Prerequisites / NoticeThe "compulsory performance element" of this lecture is a short presentation of a research paper complementing the lecture topics. Several topics and corresponding papers will be offered on the moodle page of this lecture.
402-0538-16LIntroduction to Magnetic Resonance for Physicists
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UC. Degen
AbstractThis course provides the fundamental principles of magnetic resonance and discusses its applications in physics and other disciplines.
ObjectiveMagnetic resonance is a textbook example of quantum mechanics that has made its way into numerous applications. It describes the response of nuclear and electronic spins to radio-frequency magnetic fields. The aim of this course is to provide the basic concepts of magnetic resonance while making connections of relevancy to other areas of science.
After completing this course, students will understand the basic interactions of spins and how they are manipulated and detected. They will be able to calculate and simulate the quantum dynamics of spin systems. Examples of current-day applications in solid state physics, quantum information, magnetic resonance tomography, and biomolecular structure determination will also be integrated.
ContentFundamentals and Applications of Magnetic Resonance
- Historical Perspective
- Bloch Equations
- Quantum Picture of Magnetic Resonance
- Spin Hamiltonian
- Pulsed Magnetic Resonance
- Spin Relaxation
- Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Ferromagnetic Resonance
- Signal Detection
- Modern Topics and Applications of Magnetic Resonance
Lecture notesClass Notes and Handouts
Literature1) Charles Slichter, "Principles of Magnetic Resonance"
2) Anatole Abragam, "The Principles of Nuclear Magnetism"
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of quantum mechanics is not formally required but highly advantageous.
402-0596-00LElectronic Transport in Nanostructures Information W6 credits2V + 1UT. M. Ihn, M. Shayegan
AbstractThe lecture discusses basic quantum phenomena occurring in electron transport through nanostructures: Drude theory, Landauer-Buttiker theory, conductance quantization, Aharonov-Bohm effect, weak localization/antilocalization, shot noise, integer and fractional quantum Hall effects, tunneling transport, Coulomb blockade, coherent manipulation of charge- and spin-qubits.
ObjectiveStudents are able to understand modern experiments in the field of electronic transport in nanostructures. They can critically reflect published research in this field and explain it to an audience of physicists. Students know and understand the fundamental phenomena of electron transport in the quantum regime and their significance. They are able to apply their knowledge to practical experiments in a modern research lab.
Lecture notesThe lecture is based on the book:
T. Ihn, Semiconductor Nanostructures: Quantum States and Electronic Transport, ISBN 978-0-19-953442-5, Oxford University Press, 2010.
Prerequisites / NoticeA solid basis in quantum mechanics, electrostatics, quantum statistics and in solid state physics is required.

Students of the Master in Micro- and Nanosystems should at least have attended the lecture by David Norris, Introduction to quantum mechanics for engineers. They should also have passed the exam of the lecture Semiconductor Nanostructures.
402-0564-00LSolid State Optics
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UL. Degiorgi
AbstractThe interaction of light with the condensed matter is the basic idea and principal foundation of several experimental spectroscopic methods. This lecture is devoted to the presentation of those experimental methods and techniques, which allow the study of the electrodynamic response of solids. I will also discuss recent experimental results on materials of high interest in the on-going solid-stat
ObjectiveThe lecture will give a basic introduction to optical spectroscopic methods in solid state physics.
ContentChapter 1
Maxwell equations and interaction of light with the medium
Chapter 2
Experimental methods: a survey
Chapter 3
Kramers-Kronig relations; optical functions
Chapter 4
Drude-Lorentz phenomenological method
Chapter 5
Electronic interband transitions and band structure effects
Chapter 6
Selected examples: strongly correlated systems and superconductors
Lecture notesmanuscript (in english) is provided.
LiteratureF. Wooten, in Optical Properties of Solids, (Academic Press, New York, 1972) and
M. Dressel and G. Gruener, in Electrodynamics of Solids, (Cambridge University Press, 2002).
Prerequisites / NoticeExercises will be proposed every week for one hour. There will be also the possibility to prepare a short presentations based on recent scientific literature (more at the beginning of the lecture).
402-0528-12LUltrafast Methods in Solid State PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1US. Johnson, M. Savoini
AbstractThis course provides an overview of experimental methods and techniques used to study dynamical processes in solids. Many processes in solids happen on a picosecond to femtosecond time scale. In this course we discuss different methods to generate femtosecond photon pulses and measurement techniques adapted to time resolved experiments.
ObjectiveThe goal of the course is to enable students to identify and evaluate experimental methods to manipulate and measure the electronic, magnetic and structural properties of solids on the fastest possible time scales. These "ultrafast methods" potentially lead both to an improved understanding of fundamental interactions in condensed matter and to applications in data storage, materials processing and computing.
ContentThe topical course outline is as follows:

0. Introduction
Time scales in solids and technology
Time vs. frequency domain experiments
Pump-Probe technique

1. Ultrafast processes in solids, an overview
Electron gas
Lattice
Spin system

2. Ultrafast optical-frequency methods
Ultrafast laser sources
Broadband techniques
Harmonic generation, optical parametric amplification
Fluorescence
Advanced pump-probe techniques

3. THz-frequency methods
Mid-IR and THz interactions with solids
Difference frequency mixing
Optical rectification

4. Ultrafast VUV and x-ray frequency methods
Synchrotron based sources
Free electron lasers
Higher harmonic generation based sources
X-ray diffraction
Time resolved X-ray microscopy
Coherent imaging

5. Electron spectroscopy in the time domain
Lecture notesWill be distributed.
LiteratureWill be distributed.
Prerequisites / NoticeAlthough the course "Ultrafast Processes in Solids" (402-0526-00L) is useful as a companion to this course, it is not a prerequisite.
402-0532-00LQuantum Solid State MagnetismW6 credits2V + 1UK. Povarov, A. Zheludev
AbstractThis course is based on the principal modern tools used to study collective magnetic phenomena in the Solid State, namely correlation and response functions. It is quite quantitative, but doesn't contain any "fancy" mathematics. Instead, the theoretical aspects are balanced by numerous experimental examples and case studies. It is aimed at theorists and experimentalists alike.
ObjectiveLearn the modern theoretical foundations and "language", as well as principles and capabilities of the latest experimental techniques, used to describe and study collective magnetic phenomena in the Solid State.
Content- Magnetic response and correlation functions. Analytic properties. Fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Experimental methods to measure static and dynamic correlations.

- Magnetic response and correlations in metals. Diamagnetism and paramagnetism. Magnetic ground states: ferromagnetism, spin density waves. Excitations in metals, spin waves. Experimental examples.

- Magnetic response and correlations of magnetic ions in crystals: quantum numbers and effective Hamiltonians. Application of group theory to classifying ionic states. Experimental case studies.

- Magnetic response and correlations in magnetic insulators. Effective Hamiltonians. Magnetic order and propagation vector formalism. The use of group theory to classify magnetic structures. Determination of magnetic structures from diffraction data. Excitations: spin wave theory and beyond. "Triplons". Measuring spin wave spectra.
Lecture notesA comprehensive textbook-like script is provided.
LiteratureIn principle, the script is suffient as study material. Additional reading:

-"Magnetism in Condensed Matter" by S. Blundell
-"Quantum Theory of Magnetism: Magnetic properties of Materials" by R. M. White
-"Lecture notes on Electron Correlations and Magnetism" by P. Fazekas
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisite:
402-0861-00L Statistical Physics
402-0501-00L Solid State Physics

Not prerequisite, but a good companion course:
402-0871-00L Solid State Theory
402-0257-00L Advanced Solid State Physics
402-0535-00L Introduction to Magnetism
327-2130-00LIntroducing Photons, Neutrons and Muons for Materials Characterisation Restricted registration - show details W2 credits3GL. Heyderman
AbstractThe aim of the course is that the students acquire a basic understanding on the interaction of photons, neutrons and muons with matter and how one can use these as tools to solve specific problems. The students will also visit different experiments in the large scale facilities of PSI (Swiss Light Source, Swiss Spallation Neutron Source, Swiss Muon Source).
ObjectiveThe aim of the course is that the students acquire a basic understanding on the interaction of photons, neutrons and muons with matter and how one can use these as tools to solve specific problems. The students will also visit different experiments in the large scale facilities of PSI (Swiss Light Source, Swiss Spallation Neutron Source, Swiss Muon Source).
ContentThe course runs for one week in June (17th to 21st). It takes place at the campus of the Paul Scherrer Institute. The morning consists of introductory lectures on the use of photons, neutrons and muons for materials characterization. The afternoon consists of work groups with active participation of the students including visiting the experiments at three large scale facilities. The afternoon group work deepens the concepts learned in the morning.
In general:
- Interaction of photons, neutrons and muons with matter
- Production of photons, neutrons and muons
- Experimental setups: optics and detectors
- Crystal symmetry, Bragg’s law, reciprocal lattice, structure factors
- Elastic and inelastic scattering with neutrons and photons
- X-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism
- Polarized neutron scattering for the study of magnetic materials
- Imaging techniques using x-rays and neutrons
- Introduction to muon spin rotation
- Applications of muon spin rotation
Lecture notesSlides from the lectures will be available on the internet prior to the lectures.
Literature- Philip Willmott: An Introduction to Synchrotron Radiation: Techniques and Applications, Wiley, 2011
- J. Als-Nielsen and D. McMorrow: Elements of Modern X-Ray Physics, Wiley, 2011.
- G.L. Squires, Introduction to the Theory of Thermal Neutron Scattering, Dover Publications (1997).
- Muon Spin Rotation, Relaxation, and Resonance, Applications to Condensed Matter"
Alain Yaouanc and Pierre Dalmas de Réotier, Oxford University Press, ISBN: 9780199596478
- “Physics with Muons: from Atomic Physics to Condensed Matter Physics”, A. Amato
Link
Prerequisites / NoticeThis is a block course for students who have attended courses on condensed matter or materials physics. Registration at PSI website required by March 17th, 2019.
Link
Selection: Quantum Electronics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0468-15LNanomaterials for Photonics
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UR. Grange
AbstractThe lecture describes various nanomaterials (semiconductor, metal, dielectric, carbon-based...) for photonic applications (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic crystal...). It starts with nanophotonic concepts of light-matter interactions, then the fabrication methods, the optical characterization techniques, the description of the properties and the state-of-the-art applications.
ObjectiveThe students will acquire theoretical and experimental knowledge in the different types of nanomaterials (semiconductors, metals, dielectric, carbon-based, ...) and their uses as building blocks for advanced applications in photonics (optoelectronics, plasmonics, photonic crystal, ...). Together with the exercises, the students will learn (1) to read, summarize and discuss scientific articles related to the lecture, (2) to estimate order of magnitudes with calculations using the theory seen during the lecture, (3) to prepare a short oral presentation about one topic related to the lecture, and (4) to imagine a useful photonic device.
Content1. Introduction to Nanomaterials for photonics
a. Classification of the materials in sizes and speed...
b. General info about scattering and absorption
c. Nanophotonics concepts

2. Analogy between photons and electrons
a. Wavelength, wave equation
b. Dispersion relation
c. How to confine electrons and photons
d. Tunneling effects

3. Characterization of Nanomaterials
a. Optical microscopy: Bright and dark field, fluorescence, confocal, High resolution: PALM (STORM), STED
b. Electron microscopy : SEM, TEM
c. Scanning probe microscopy: STM, AFM
d. Near field microscopy: SNOM
e. X-ray diffraction: XRD, EDS

4. Generation of Nanomaterials
a. Top-down approach
b. Bottom-up approach

5. Plasmonics
a. What is a plasmon, Drude model
b. Surface plasmon and localized surface plasmon (sphere, rod, shell)
c. Theoretical models to calculate the radiated field: electrostatic approximation and Mie scattering
d. Fabrication of plasmonic structures: Chemical synthesis, Nanofabrication
e. Applications

6. Organic nanomaterials
a. Organic quantum-confined structure: nanomers and quantum dots.
b. Carbon nanotubes: properties, bandgap description, fabrication
c. Graphene: motivation, fabrication, devices

7. Semiconductors
a. Crystalline structure, wave function...
b. Quantum well: energy levels equation, confinement
c. Quantum wires, quantum dots
d. Optical properties related to quantum confinement
e. Example of effects: absorption, photoluminescence...
f. Solid-state-lasers : edge emitting, surface emitting, quantum cascade

8. Photonic crystals
a. Analogy photonic and electronic crystal, in nature
b. 1D, 2D, 3D photonic crystal
c. Theoretical modeling: frequency and time domain technique
d. Features: band gap, local enhancement, superprism...

9. Optofluidic
a. What is optofluidic ?
b. History of micro-nano-opto-fluidic
c. Basic properties of fluids
d. Nanoscale forces and scale law
e. Optofluidic: fabrication
f. Optofluidic: applications
g. Nanofluidics

10. Nanomarkers
a. Contrast in imaging modalities
b. Optical imaging mechanisms
c. Static versus dynamic probes
Lecture notesSlides and book chapter will be available for downloading
LiteratureReferences will be given during the lecture
Prerequisites / NoticeBasics of solid-state physics (i.e. energy bands) can help
402-0470-17LOptical Frequency Combs: Physics and Applications
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UJ. Faist
AbstractIn this lecture, the goal is to review the physics behind mode-locking in these various devices, as well as discuss the most important novelties and applications of the newly developed sources.
ObjectiveIn this lecture, the goal is to review the physics behind mode-locking in these various devices, as well as discuss the most important novelties and applications of the newly developed sources.
ContentSince their invention, the optical frequency combs have shown to be a key technological tool with applications in a variety of fields ranging from astronomy, metrology, spectroscopy and telecommunications. Concomitant with this expansion of the application domains, the range of technologies that have been used to generate optical frequency combs has recently widened to include, beyond the solid-state and fiber mode-locked lasers, optical parametric oscillators, microresonators and quantum cascade lasers.
In this lecture, the goal is to review the physics behind mode-locking in these various devices, as well as discuss the most important novelties and applications of the newly developed sources.

Chapt 1: Fundamentals of optical frequency comb generation
- Physics of mode-locking: time domain picture
Propagation and stability of a pulse, soliton formation
- Dispersion compensation
Solid-state and fiber mode-locked laser
Chapt 2: Direct generation
Microresonator combs: Lugiato-Lefever equation, solitons
Quantum cascade laser: Frequency domain picture of the mode-locking
Mid-infrared and terahertz QCL combs
Chapt 3: Non-linear optics
DFG, OPOs
Chapt 4: Comb diagnostics and noise
Jitter, linewidth
Chapt 5: Self-referenced combs and their applications
Chapt 6: Dual combs and their applications to spectroscopy
402-0498-00LCavity QED and Ion Trap PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UD. Kienzler
AbstractThis course covers the physics of systems where harmonic oscillators are coupled to spin systems, for which the 2012 Nobel prize was awarded. Experimental realizations include photons trapped in high-finesse cavities and ions trapped by electro-magnetic fields. These approaches have achieved an extraordinary level of control and provide leading technologies for quantum information processing.
ObjectiveThe objective is to provide a basis for understanding the wide range of research currently being performed on fundamental quantum mechanics with spin-spring systems, including cavity-QED and ion traps. During the course students would expect to gain an understanding of the current frontier of research in these areas, and the challenges which must be overcome to make further advances. This should provide a solid background for tackling recently published research in these fields, including experimental realisations of quantum information processing.
ContentThis course will cover cavity-QED and ion trap physics, providing links and differences between the two. It aims to cover both theoretical and experimental aspects. In all experimental settings the role of decoherence and the quantum-classical transition is of great importance, and this will therefore form one of the key components of the course. The topics of the course were cited in the Nobel prize which was awarded to Serge Haroche and David Wineland in 2012.

Topics which will be covered include:

Cavity QED
(atoms/spins coupled to a quantized field mode)
Ion trap
(charged atoms coupled to a quantized motional mode)

Quantum state engineering:
Coherent and squeezed states
Entangled states
Schrodinger's cat states

Decoherence:
The quantum optical master equation
Monte-Carlo wavefunction
Quantum measurements
Entanglement and decoherence

Applications:
Quantum information processing
Quantum sensing
LiteratureS. Haroche and J-M. Raimond "Exploring the Quantum" (required)
M. Scully and M.S. Zubairy, Quantum Optics (recommended)
Prerequisites / NoticeThis course requires a good working knowledge in non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Prior knowledge of quantum optics is recommended but not required.
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