Course 2022-2023 a.y.

Part A: Quantum Physics

1-    Why quantum mechanics? Introduction to quantum phenomena

2-    Schrödinger equation

3-    Quantum measurements

4-    Energy quantization

5-    Principle of quantum mechanics

6-    Two state systems

7-    Approximation methods

8-    Angular momentum

9-    Quantum description of atoms

10- Entanglement, Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox, Bell’s inequalities

11- Introduction to quantum computing

Part B: Statistical Physics

1-    Why statistical physics? From microscopics to macroscopics

2-    Statistical descriptions

3-    Thermodynamics seen from the statistical physics viewpoint

4-    Ideal gas

5-    Interacting systems, phase transitions, ferromagnetism

6-    Dynamics and equilibrium

7-    Quantum ideal gases

8-    Free fermions

9-    Electronic properties of solids

10- Ideal gas of bosons: phonons and photons, radiation

- understand the description of quantum systems

- understand  quantum spins

- understand the quantum theory of atomic structure

- understand the concepts of entanglement and quantum measurement

- understand the principles of statistical physics and their relations to thermodynamics

- understand the theory of ideal gases, classical and quantum

- understand the notion of phase transition

- undestand the dynamics of statistical physics systems and the approach to equilibrium

- Study quantum properties of particles in external potentials

- Use perturbative methods

- Study quantum properties of spin 1/2 particles

- Study properties of ideal gases, classical, fermions and bosons

- Study phase transitions using mean-field theory

• Face-to-face lectures
• Exercises (exercises, database, software etc.)

Exercises are an important part of the course. Every week a part of the lectures time will be dedicated to exercises in  the class, illustrating and complementing the lectures.

The exam will be in written form only.

The total grade has a maximum of 32 points. 

The grade of 30 cum laude corresponds to 31 or 32 points

In order to pass the exam, the students must obtain a grade of 18 points at least.

The exam is not open-book. Any material apart from the one provided by the instructors is forbidden. A sheet contianing basic formulas and fundamental constants will be provided.

-       Quantum mechanics, J-L Basdevant and J. Dalibard, Springer

-       Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics, Frederick Reif, Mac Graw Hill  (optional)

-       Mehran Kardar’s lecture notes https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/8-333-statistical-mechanics-i-statistical-mechanics-of-particles-fall-2013/

Exercises will be provided, as well as additional teaching material when needed