Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2018

Physics Master Information
Electives
Electives: Physics and Mathematics
Selection: Solid State Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0505-00LPhysics in the SmartphoneW6 credits3GB. Batlogg, M. Sigrist
AbstractPhysics in today's high-tech smartphone. Examples: network topology and scratch proof glass, spin-orbit coupling - brighter displays, GPS and general theory of relativity, electromagnetic response of matter (transparent metals for displays, GPS signal propagation), light-field cameras, CCD and CMOS light sensors, physics stops Moore's law, meta-materials for antennas, MEMS sensor physics, etc.
Learning objectiveStudents recognize and appreciate the enormous impact "physics" has on today's high tech world. Abstract concepts, old and recent, encountered in the lectures are implemented and present all around us.

Students are actively involved in the preparation and presentation of the topics, and thus acquire valuable professional skills.
ContentWe explore how traditional and new physics concepts and achievements make their way into today's ubiquitous high-tech gadget : the smartphone.
Examples of topics include:
network topology and scratch proof Gorilla glass,
spin-orbit coupling makes for four times brighter displays,
no GPS without general theory of relativity,
electromagnetic response of matter (transparent metals for displays, GPS signal propagation in the atmosphere),
lightfield cameras replacing CCD and CMOS light sensors,
physical limitations to IC scaling: the end of "Moore's law",
meta-materials for antennas,
physics of the various MEMS sensors,
etc., etc.,
Lecture notesThe presentation material and original literature will be distributed weekly.
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic physics lectures and introduction to solid state physics are expected.

This is a "3 hour" course, with two hours set for <tba>, and the third one to be set at the beginning of the semester.

An introductory event is planed in the first week of the term on Wednesday, September 19th - 17:45 in the room HIT K51. In this meeting we will fix the time of the usual lecture and we will distribute the topics for the presentations during the term. The tutors will briefly present each topics.
402-0526-00LUltrafast Processes in SolidsW6 credits2V + 1UY. M. Acremann, A. Vaterlaus
AbstractUltrafast processes in solids are of fundamental interest as well as relevant for modern technological applications. The dynamics of the lattice, the electron gas as well as the spin system of a solid are discussed. The focus is on time resolved experiments which provide insight into pico- and femtosecond dynamics.
Learning objectiveAfter attending this course you understand the dynamics of essential excitation processes which occur in solids and you have an overview over state of the art experimental techniques used to study fast processes.
Content1. Experimental techniques, an overview

2. Dynamics of the electron gas
2.1 First experiments on electron dynamics and lattice heating
2.2 The finite lifetime of excited states
2.3 Detection of lifetime effects
2.4 Dynamical properties of reactions and adsorbents

3. Dynamics of the lattice
3.1 Phonons
3.2 Non-thermal melting

4. Dynamics of the spin system
4.1 Laser induced ultrafast demagnetization
4.2 Ultrafast spin currents generated by lasers
4.3 Landau-Lifschitz-Dynamics
4.4 Laser induced switching

5. Correlated materials
Lecture noteswill be distributed
Literaturerelevant publications will be cited
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture can also be followed by interested non-physics students as basic concepts will be introduced.
402-0535-00LIntroduction to MagnetismW6 credits3GA. Vindigni
AbstractAtomic paramagnetism and diamagnetism, intinerant and local-moment magnetism, Ising and Heisenberg models, the mean-field approximation, spin waves, magnetic phase transition, domains and domain walls, magnetization dynamics from picoseconds to human time scales.
Learning objective
ContentThe lecture ''Introduction to Magnetism'' is the regular course on Magnetism for the Master curriculum of the Department of Physics of ETH Zurich. With respect to specialized courses related to Magnetism such as "Quantum Solid State Magnetism" (A. Zheludev and K. Povarov) or "Ferromagnetism: From Thin Films to Spintronics" (R. Allenspach), this lecture focusses on why only few materials are magnetic at finite temperature. We will see that defining what we understand by "being magnetic" in a formal way is essential to address this question properly.
Preliminary contents for the HS18:
- Magnetism in atoms (quantum-mechanical origin of atomic magnetic moments, intra-atomic exchange interaction)
- Magnetism in solids (mechanisms producing inter-atomic exchange interaction in solids, crystal field).
- Magnetic order at finite temperatures (Ising and Heisenberg models, mean-field approximation, low-dimensional magnetism)
- Dipolar interaction in ferromagnets (shape anisotropy, frustration and modulated phases of magnetic domains)
- Spin physics in the time domain (Larmor precession, resonance phenomena, Bloch equation, Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, superparamagnetism)
Lecture notesLecture notes and slides are made available during the course, through the Moodle portal.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe former title of this course unit was "Fundamental Aspects of Magnetism". This lecture insists on the fundamental aspects -- quantum physics and statistical physics of magnetism.
Applications to nanoscale magnetism will be considered from the perspective of basic underlying principles.
402-0595-00LSemiconductor Nanostructures Information W6 credits2V + 1UT. M. Ihn
AbstractThe course covers the foundations of semiconductor nanostructures, e.g., materials, band structures, bandgap engineering and doping, field-effect transistors. The physics of the quantum Hall effect and of common nanostructures based on two-dimensional electron gases will be discussed, i.e., quantum point contacts, Aharonov-Bohm rings and quantum dots.
Learning objectiveAt the end of the lecture the student should understand four key phenomena of electron transport in semiconductor nanostructures:
1. The integer quantum Hall effect
2. Conductance quantization in quantum point contacts
3. the Aharonov-Bohm effect
4. Coulomb blockade in quantum dots
Content1. Introduction and overview
2. Semiconductor crystals: Fabrication and band structures
3. k.p-theory, effective mass
4. Envelope functions and effective mass approximation, heterostructures and band engineering
5. Fabrication of semiconductor nanostructures
6. Elektrostatics and quantum mechanics of semiconductor nanostructures
7. Heterostructures and two-dimensional electron gases
8. Drude Transport
9. Electron transport in quantum point contacts; Landauer-Büttiker description
10. Ballistic transport experiments
11. Interference effects in Aharonov-Bohm rings
12. Electron in a magnetic field, Shubnikov-de Haas effect
13. Integer quantum Hall effect
14. Coulomb blockade and quantum dots
Lecture notesT. Ihn, Semiconductor Nanostructures, Quantum States and Electronic Transport, Oxford University Press, 2010.
LiteratureIn addition to the lecture notes, the following supplementary books can be recommended:
1. J. H. Davies: The Physics of Low-Dimensional Semiconductors, Cambridge University Press (1998)
2. S. Datta: Electronic Transport in Mesoscopic Systems, Cambridge University Press (1997)
3. D. Ferry: Transport in Nanostructures, Cambridge University Press (1997)
4. T. M. Heinzel: Mesoscopic Electronics in Solid State Nanostructures: an Introduction, Wiley-VCH (2003)
5. Beenakker, van Houten: Quantum Transport in Semiconductor Nanostructures, in: Semiconductor Heterostructures and Nanostructures, Academic Press (1991)
6. Y. Imry: Introduction to Mesoscopic Physics, Oxford University Press (1997)
Prerequisites / NoticeThe lecture is suitable for all physics students beyond the bachelor of science degree. Basic knowledge of solid state physics is recommended. Very ambitioned students in the third year may be able to follow. The lecture can be chosen as part of the PhD-program. The course is taught in English.
402-0317-00LSemiconductor Materials: Fundamentals and FabricationW6 credits2V + 1US. Schön, W. Wegscheider
AbstractThis course gives an introduction into the fundamentals of semiconductor materials. The main focus is on state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization methods. The course will be continued in the spring term with a focus on applications.
Learning objectiveBasic knowledge of semiconductor physics and technology. Application of this knowledge for state-of-the-art semiconductor device processing
Content1. Fundamentals of Solid State Physics
1.1 Semiconductor materials
1.2 Band structures
1.3 Carrier statistics in intrinsic and doped semiconductors
1.4 p-n junctions
1.5 Low-dimensional structures
2. Bulk Material growth of Semiconductors
2.1 Czochalski method
2.2 Floating zone method
2.3 High pressure synthesis
3. Semiconductor Epitaxy
3.1 Fundamentals of Epitaxy
3.2 Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE)
3.3 Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD)
3.4 Liquid Phase Epitaxy (LPE)
4. In situ characterization
4.1 Pressure and temperature
4.2 Reflectometry
4.3 Ellipsometry and RAS
4.4 LEED, AES, XPS
4.5 STM, AFM
5. The invention of the transistor - Christmas lecture
Lecture noteshttps://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=4865
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.
Selection: Quantum Electronics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0464-00LOptical Properties of SemiconductorsW8 credits2V + 2UA. Imamoglu, G. Scalari
AbstractThis course presents a comprehensive discussion of optical processes in semiconductors.
Learning objectiveThe rich physics of the optical properties of semiconductors, as well as the advanced processing available on these material, enabled numerous applications (lasers, LEDs and solar cells) as well as the realization of new physical concepts. Systems that will be covered include quantum dots, exciton-polaritons, quantum Hall fluids and graphene-like materials.
ContentElectronic states in III-V materials and quantum structures, optical transitions, excitons and polaritons, novel two dimensional semiconductors, spin-orbit interaction and magneto-optics.
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Quantum Mechanics I, Introduction to Solid State Physics
402-0484-00LExperimental and Theoretical Aspects of Quantum Gases Information
Does not take place this semester.
W6 credits2V + 1UT. Esslinger
AbstractQuantum Gases are the most precisely controlled many-body systems in physics. This provides a unique interface between theory and experiment, which allows addressing fundamental concepts and long-standing questions. This course lays the foundation for the understanding of current research in this vibrant field.
Learning objectiveThe lecture conveys a basic understanding for the current research on quantum gases. Emphasis will be put on the connection between theory and experimental observation. It will enable students to read and understand publications in this field.
ContentCooling and trapping of neutral atoms

Bose and Fermi gases

Ultracold collisions

The Bose-condensed state

Elementary excitations

Vortices

Superfluidity

Interference and Correlations

Optical lattices
Lecture notesnotes and material accompanying the lecture will be provided
LiteratureC. J. Pethick and H. Smith, Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute Gases,
Cambridge.
Proceedings of the Enrico Fermi International School of Physics, Vol. CXL,
ed. M. Inguscio, S. Stringari, and C.E. Wieman (IOS Press, Amsterdam,
1999).
402-0444-00LAdvanced Quantum OpticsW6 credits2V + 1UA. Imamoglu
AbstractThis course builds up on the material covered in the Quantum Optics course. The emphasis will be on quantum optics in condensed-matter systems.
Learning objectiveThe course aims to provide the knowledge necessary for pursuing advanced research in the field of Quantum Optics in condensed matter systems. Fundamental concepts and techniques of Quantum Optics will be linked to experimental research in systems such as quantum dots, exciton-polaritons, quantum Hall fluids and graphene-like materials.
ContentDescription of open quantum systems using master equation and quantum trajectories. Decoherence and quantum measurements. Dicke superradiance. Dissipative phase transitions. Spin photonics. Signatures of electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions in optical response.
Lecture notesLecture notes will be provided
LiteratureC. Cohen-Tannoudji et al., Atom-Photon-Interactions (recommended)
Y. Yamamoto and A. Imamoglu, Mesoscopic Quantum Optics (recommended)
A collection of review articles (will be pointed out during the lecture)
Prerequisites / NoticeMasters level quantum optics knowledge
402-0465-58LIntersubband OptoelectronicsW6 credits2V + 1UJ. Faist, G. Scalari
AbstractIntersubband transitions in quantum wells are transitions between states created by quantum confinement in ultra-thin layers of semiconductors. Because of its inherent taylorability, this system can be seen as the "ultimate quantum designer's material".
Learning objectiveThe goal of this lecture is to explore both the rich physics as well as the application of these system for sources and detectors. In fact, devices based on intersubband transitions are now unlocking large area of the electromagnetic spectrum.
ContentThe lecture will treat the following chapters:
- Introduction: intersubband optoelectronics as an example of quantum engineering
-Technological aspects
- Electronic states in semiconductor quantum wells
- Intersubband absorption and scattering processes
- Mid-Ir and THz ISB Detectors
-Mid-infrared and THz photonics: waveguides, resonators, metamaterials
- Quantum Cascade lasers:
-Mid-IR QCLs
-THZ QCLs (direct and non-linear generation)
-further electronic confinement: interlevel Qdot transitions and magnetic field effects
-Strong light-matter coupling in Mid-IR and THz range
Lecture notesThe reference book for the lecture is "Quantum Cascade Lasers" by Jerome Faist , published by Oxford University Press.
LiteratureMostly the original articles, other useful reading can be found in:

-E. Rosencher and B. Vinter, Optoelectronics , Cambridge Univ. Press
-G. Bastard, Wave mechanics applied to semiconductor heterostructures, Halsted press
Prerequisites / NoticeRequirements: A basic knowledge of solid-state physics and of quantum electronics.
Selection: Particle Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0715-00LLow Energy Particle PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UA. S. Antognini, P. A. Schmidt-Wellenburg
AbstractLow energy particle physics provides complementary information to high energy physics with colliders. In this lecture, we will concentrate on flagship experiments which have significantly improved our understanding of particle physics today, concentrating mainly on precision experiments with neutrons, muons and exotic atoms.
Learning objectiveYou will be able to present and discuss:
- the principle of the experiments
- the underlying technique and methods
- the context and the impact of these experiments on particle physics
ContentLow energy particle physics provides complementary information to high energy physics with colliders. At the Large Hadron Collider one directly searches for new particles at energies up to the TeV range. In a complementary way, low energy particle physics indirectly probes the existence of such particles and provides constraints for "new physics", making use of high precision and high intensities.

Besides the sensitivity to effects related with new physics (e.g. lepton flavor violation, symmetry violations, CPT tests, search for electric dipole moments, new low mass exchange bosons etc.), low energy physics provides the best test of QED (electron g-2), the best tests of bound-state QED (atomic physics and exotic atoms), precise determinations of fundamental constants, information about the CKM matrix, precise information on the weak and strong force even in the non-perturbative regime etc.

Starting from a general introduction on high intensity/high precision particle physics and the main characteristics of muons and neutrons and their production, we will then focus on the discussion of fundamental problems and ground-breaking experiments:

- search for rare decays and charged lepton flavor violation
- electric dipole moments and CP violation
- spectroscopy of exotic atoms and symmetries of the standard model
- what atomic physics can do for particle physics and vice versa
- neutron decay and primordial nucleosynthesis
- atomic clock
- Penning traps
- Ramsey spectroscopy
- Spin manipulation
- neutron-matter interaction
- ultra-cold neutron production
- various techniques: detectors, cryogenics, particle beams, laser cooling....
LiteratureGolub, Richardson & Lamoreaux: "Ultra-Cold Neutrons"
Rauch & Werner: "Neutron Interferometry"
Carlile & Willis: "Experimental Neutron Scattering"
Byrne: "Neutrons, Nuclei and Matter"
Klapdor-Kleingrothaus: "Non Accelerator Particle Physics"
Prerequisites / NoticeEinführung in die Kern- und Teilchenphysik / Introduction to Nuclear- and Particle-Physics
402-0767-00LNeutrino Physics Information W6 credits2V + 1UA. Rubbia, C. Regenfus
AbstractTheoretical basis and selected experiments to determine the properties of neutrinos and their interactions (mass, spin, helicity, chirality, oscillations, interactions with leptons and quarks).
Learning objectiveIntroduction to the physics of neutrinos with special consideration of phenomena connected with neutrino masses.
Lecture notesScript
LiteratureB. Kayser, F. Gibrat-Debu and F. Perrier, The Physics of Massive Neutrinos, World Scientific Lecture Notes in Physic, Vol. 25, 1989, and newer publications.

N. Schmitz, Neutrinophysik, Teubner-Studienbücher Physik, 1997.

D.O. Caldwell, Current Aspects of Neutrino Physics, Springer.

C. Giunti & C.W. Kim, Fundamentals of Neutrino Physics and Astrophysics, Oxford.
402-0725-00LExperimental Methods and Instruments of Particle Physics Information
Special Students UZH must book the module PHY461 directly at UZH.
W6 credits3V + 1UU. Langenegger, M. Dittmar, T. Schietinger, University lecturers
AbstractPhysics and design of particle accelerators.
Basics and concepts of particle detectors.
Track- and vertex-detectors, calorimetry, particle identification.
Special applications like Cherenkov detectors, air showers, direct detection of dark matter.
Simulation methods, readout electronics, trigger and data acquisition.
Examples of key experiments.
Learning objectiveAcquire an in-depth understanding and overview of the essential elements of experimental methods in particle physics, including accelerators and experiments.
Content1. Examples of modern experiments
2. Basics: Bethe-Bloch, radiation length, nucl. interaction length, fixed-target vs. collider, principles of measurements: energy- and momentum-conservation, etc
3. Physics and layout of accelerators
4. Charged particle tracking and vertexing
5. Calorimetry
6. Particle identification
7. Analysis methods: invariant and missing mass, jet algorithms, b-tagging
8. Special detectors: extended airshower detectors and cryogenic detectors
9. MC simulations (GEANT), trigger, readout, electronics
Lecture notesSlides are handed out regularly, see http://www.physik.uzh.ch/en/teaching/PHY461/
402-0777-00LParticle Accelerator Physics and Modeling IW6 credits2V + 1UA. Adelmann
AbstractThis is the first of two courses, introducing particle accelerators from a theoretical point of view and covers state-of-the-art modelling techniques.
Learning objectiveYou understand the building blocks of particle accelerators. Modern analysis tools allows you to model state-of-the-art particle accelerators. In some of the exercises you will be confronted with next generation machines. We will develop a Python simulation tool
(pyAcceLEGOrator) that reflects the theory from the lecture.
ContentHere is the rough plan of the topics, however the actual pace may vary relative to this plan.

- Recap of Relativistic Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics
- Building Blocks of Particle Accelerators
- Lie Algebraic Structure of Classical Mechanics and Applications to Particle Accelerators
- Symplectic Maps & Analysis of Maps
- Symplectic Particle Tracking
- Collective Effects
- Linear & Circular Machines incl. Cyclotrons
- Radiation and Free Electron Lasers
Lecture notesLecture notes
Prerequisites / NoticePhysics, Computational Science (RW) at BSc. Level

This lecture is also suited for PhD. students
402-0851-00LQCD: Theory and ExperimentW3 credits3GG. Dissertori, University lecturers
AbstractAn introduction to the theoretical aspects and experimental tests of QCD, with emphasis on perturbative QCD and related experiments at colliders.
Learning objectiveKnowledge acquired on basics of perturbative QCD, both of theoretical and experimental nature. Ability to perform simple calculations of perturbative QCD, as well as to understand modern publications on theoretical and experimental aspects of perturbative QCD.
ContentQCD Lagrangian and Feynman Rules
QCD running coupling
Parton model
DGLAP
Basic processes
Experimental tests at lepton and hadron colliders
Measurements of the strong coupling constant
Literature1) G. Dissertori, I. Knowles, M. Schmelling : "Quantum Chromodynamics: High Energy Experiments and Theory" (The International Series of Monographs on Physics, 115, Oxford University Press)
2) R. K. Ellis, W. J. Stirling, B. R. Webber : "QCD and Collider Physics" (Cambridge Monographs on Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics & Cosmology)"
Prerequisites / NoticeWill be given as block course, language: English.
For students of both ETH and University of Zurich.
Selection: Theoretical Physics
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
402-0899-65LHiggs PhysicsW6 credits2V + 1UM. Donegà, M. Grazzini
AbstractThe course introduces the theory and phenomenology of the recently discovered Higgs boson. With this course the students will receive a detailed introduction to the physics of the Higgs boson in the Standard Model. They will acquire the necessary theoretical background and learn about the main experimental methods used for the discovery of the Higgs boson.
Learning objectiveWith this course the students will receive a detailed introduction to the physics of the Higgs boson in the Standard Model. They will acquire the necessary theoretical background to understand the main production and decay channels of the Higgs boson at high-energy colliders, and the corresponding experimental signatures.
ContentTheory part:
- the Standard Model and the mass problem: WW scattering and the no-lose theorem
- the Higgs mechanism and its implementation in the Standard Model
- radiative corrections and the screening theorem
- theoretical constraints on the Higgs mass; the hierarchy problem
- Higgs production in e+e- collisions
- Higgs production at hadron colliders
- Higgs decays to fermions and vector bosons
- Higgs differential distributions, rapidity distribution, pt spectrum and jet vetoes
- Higgs properties and beyond the Standard Model perspective
- Outlook: The Higgs sector in weakly coupled and strongly coupled new physics scenarios.

Experimental part:
Introductory material:
- basics of accelerators and detectors
- reminders of statistics: likelihoods, hypothesis testing
- reminders of multivariate techniques: Boosted Decision Trees and Neural Networks
Main topics:
- pre-history (pre-LEP)
- LEP1: measurements at the Z-pole
- Electroweak constraints
- LEP2: towards the limit mH<114 GeV
- TeVatron searches
- LHC:
-- main channels overview
-- dissect one analysis
-- combine information from all channels
-- differential measurements
-- off-shell measurements
Literature- Higgs Hunter's Guide
(by S.Dawson, J. Gunion, H. Haber and G. Kane)
- A. Djouadi, The Anatomy of electro-weak symmetry breaking. I: The Higgs boson in the standard model, Phys.Rept. 457 (2008) 1.
- PDG review of "Passage of particles through matter" http://pdg.lbl.gov/2014/reviews/rpp2014-rev-passage-particles-matter.pdf
- PDG review of "Accelerators" http://pdg.lbl.gov/2014/reviews/rpp2014-rev-accel-phys-colliders.pdf
- "The searches for Higgs Bosons at LEP" M. Kado and C. Tully, Annu. Rev. Nucl. Part. Sci. 2002. 52:65-113
- "Combination of Tevatron searches for the standard model Higgs boson in the W+W- decay mode" HWW TeVatron combination - http://arxiv.org/abs/1001.4162
- "Evidence for a particle produced in association with weak bosons and decaying to a bottom-antibottom quark pair in Higgs boson searches at the TeVatron" http://arxiv.org/abs/1207.6436
- "Higgs Boson Studies at the Tevatron" http://arxiv.org/abs/1303.6346
- “Asymptotic formulae for likelihood-based tests of new physics” Cowan, Cranmer, Gross, Vitells http://arxiv.org/abs/1007.1727
- "Precise determination of the mass of the Higgs boson and tests of compatibility of its couplings with the standard model predictions using proton collisions at 7 and 8 TeV" https://arxiv.org/abs/1412.8662
- "Measurement of the Higgs boson mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ∗→4ℓ channels with the ATLAS detector using 25 fb−1 of pp collision data" http://arxiv.org/abs/1406.3827
- "Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass in pp Collisions at √s=7 and 8 TeV with the ATLAS and CMS Experiments" http://arxiv.org/abs/1503.07589
- "Measurements of the Higgs boson production and decay rates and constraints on its couplings from a combined ATLAS and CMS analysis of the LHC pp collision data at √s=7 and 8 TeV" https://arxiv.org/abs/1606.02266
- "Projections of Higgs Boson measurements with 30/fb at 8 TeV and 300/fb at 14 TeV" https://twiki.cern.ch/twiki/bin/view/CMSPublic/HigProjectionEsg2012TWiki
Prerequisites / NoticePrerequisites: Quantum Field Theory I, Phenomenology of Particle Physics I
402-0897-00LIntroduction to String TheoryW6 credits2V + 1UB. Hoare
AbstractThis course gives an introduction to string theory. The first half of the course will cover the bosonic string and its quantization in flat space, concluding with the introduction of D-branes and T-duality. The second half will cover various advanced topics selected from those listed below.
Learning objectiveThe aim of this course is to motivate the subject of string theory, exploring the important role it has played in the development of modern theoretical and mathematical physics. The goal of the first half of the course is to give a pedagogical introduction to the bosonic string in flat space. Building on this foundation, the goal of the second half of the course is to give a flavour of various more advanced topics.
ContentI. Introduction
II. The relativistic point particle
III. The classical closed string
IV. Quantizing the closed string
V. The open string and D-branes
VI. T-duality in flat space

Possible advanced topics include:
VII. Conformal field theory
VIII. The Polyakov path integral
IX. String interactions
X. Low energy effective actions
XI. Superstring theory
LiteratureLecture notes:

String Theory - D. Tong
http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/tong/string.html

Lectures on String Theory - G. Arutyunov
http://stringworld.ru/files/Arutyunov_G._Lectures_on_string_theory.pdf

Books:

Superstring Theory - M. Green, J. Schwarz and E. Witten (two volumes, CUP, 1988)
Volume 1: Introduction
Volume 2: Loop Amplitudes, Anomalies and Phenomenology

String Theory - J. Polchinski (two volumes, CUP, 1998)
Volume 1: An Introduction to the Bosonic String
Volume 2: Superstring Theory and Beyond
Errata: http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/~joep/errata.html

Basic Concepts of String Theory - R. Blumenhagen, D. Lüst and S. Theisen (Springer-Verlag, 2013)
402-0875-65LTopological Aspects of Condensed Matter PhysicsW4 credits3GG. M. Graf
AbstractThe course begins with some mathematical background like fibre bundles. It covers the quantum Hall effect from various perspectives (phenomenology, heuristic explanation, role of disorder, Landau Hamiltonian, Kubo formula, Chern numbers, index of a pair of projections, bulk and edge). Also discussed: Topological insulators and their indices; the Kitaev table. If time permits, quantum pumps.
Learning objective
ContentThe course begins with some mathematical background like fibre bundles, connections, holonomy and curvature. It covers the quantum Hall effect from various perspectives (phenomenology, heuristic explanation, role of disorder, Landau Hamiltonian, Kubo formula, Chern numbers, index of a pair of projections, bulk and edge). Also discussed in a similar vein: Topological insulators and their indices; the Kitaev table. If time permits, quantum pumps.
402-0461-00LQuantum Information TheoryW8 credits3V + 1UJ. Renes
AbstractThe goal of this course is to introduce the foundations of quantum information theory. It starts with a brief introduction to the mathematical theory of information and then discusses the basic information-theoretic aspects of quantum mechanics. Further topics include applications such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing.
Learning objectiveThe course gives an insight into the notion of information and its relevance to physics and, in particular, quantum mechanics. It also serves as a preparation for further courses in the area of quantum information sciences.
402-0469-67LParametric PhenomenaW6 credits3GO. Zilberberg, A. Eichler
AbstractThere are numerous physical phenomena that rely on parametric driving to amplify, cool, squeeze or couple resonating systems. At the same time, parametric oscillation in itself remains an active field of research. In this course, we shall introduce parametric phenomena in different fields of physics, ranging from classical engineering ideas to the quantum realm.
Learning objectiveIn this course, the students will grasp the ubiquitous nature of parametric phenomena and apply it to both classical and quantum systems. The students will understand both the theoretical foundations leading to the parametric drive as well as the experimental aspect related to the realizations of the effect. Each student will analyze an independent system using the tools acquired in the course and will present his/her insights to the class.
ContentThis course will provide a general framework for understanding and linking various phenomena, ranging from the child-on-a-swing problem to quantum limited amplifiers, to optical frequency combs, and to optomechanical sensors used in the LIGO experiment. The course will combine theoretical lectures and the study of important experiments through literature.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe students should be familiar with wave physics as well as second quantization.
402-0811-00LProgramming Techniques for Scientific Simulations IW5 credits4GR. Käppeli
AbstractThis lecture provides an overview of programming techniques for scientific simulations. The focus is on advances C++ programming techniques and scientific software libraries. Based on an overview over the hardware components of PCs and supercomputer, optimization methods for scientific simulation codes are explained.
Learning objective
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