Physics 654

Theory of many-particle systems

In the first weeks of this course we'll get acquainted with the machinery of quantum field theory (Green functions of many particles, imaginary time formalism, Keldysh formalism) as it is applied to condensed matter systems. In the remainder of the course, this machinery will be applied to such topics as disordered metals, interacting electrons, superconductors, and one-dimensional conductors.

Students taking this course are expected to have a good knowledge of quantum mechanics (including the second-quantization formalism), solid state physics (preferably P635 and P636), and statistical physics. Some knowledge of quantum field theory (e.g., on the level of P651) could be helpful but is not required.

Lectures:  Wednesday, and Friday, 2.30pm-4.00pm, Rockefeller Hall.

Professor: Piet Brouwer
538 Clark Hall, tel. 58963
brouwer@ccmr.cornell.edu
Office hours: Wednesdays, 4.15pm-5.45pm or by appointment.

Course webpage: http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/~brouwer/p654.


Literature:
Notes will be handed out for most of the material discussed in class. As a reference text, we'll use the book
Many-Body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics, An Introduction, H. Bruus and K. Flensberg, Oxford University Press 2004.

Additional or alternative literature:
Methods of Quantum Field Theory in Statistical Physics, A. A. Abrikosov, L. P. Gorkov, and I. E. Dzyaloshinski, Dover 1977.
Green's Functions for Solid State Physicists, S. Doniach and E. H. Sondheimer, Imperial College Press, 1998.
Quantum Theory of Many-Particle Systems, A. L. Fetter and J. D. Walecka, Dover 2003.
Many-Particle Physics,
G. D. Mahan, Plenum 2000.
The Theory of Interacting Fermi Systems, P. Nozieres, Perseus 1997.
Quantum Many-Particle Systems, J. W. Negele and H. Orland, Perseus 1988.
Quantum Field Theory in Condensed Matter Physics, A. M. Tsvelik, Cambridge University Press, 1995.

These books are held on reserve in the Physical Sciences Library (Clark Hall).

Lecture notes of the 2003 course can be found here.

Course syllabus and reading assignments


Homework: Approximately 10 homework assignments.

Academic Integrity: Each student in this course is expected to abide by the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity. You are allowed to discuss the subject and the homework problems with others. However, you should write up the homework by yourself and acknowledge all sources.

This course can be taken S/U only.