FYS-KJM9480 – Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course gives an introduction to the quantum mechanics of many-body systems and the computational methods relevant for many-body problems in such diverse areas as atomic, molecular, solid-state and nuclear physics, chemistry and materials science. A theoretical understanding of the behavior of quantum-mechanical many-body systems - that is, systems containing many interacting particles - is a considerable challenge in that no exact solution can be found; instead, reliable methods are needed for approximate but accurate simulations of such systems on modern computers. Besides the intrinsic theoretical interest in such methods, they are of great pratical importance in modern research and industry, in fields such as semi-conductor physics, materials science and pharmaceutics.
The aim of this course is to present some of the most widely used many-body methods, starting with the underlying formalism of second quantization and with emphasis on non-relativistic theory. The topics covered are the Feynman diagram rules, microscopic mean-field theories (Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham theories), many-body perturbation theory, large-scale diagonalization methods, coupled-cluster theory, and Green's function approaches. Both fermionic and bosonic systems are discussed. Selected physical systems from various fields such as chemistry, solid-state physics and nuclear physics are studied, depending on the background and interests of the participants.
Learning outcome
The student should be able to apply these methods to selected physical systems as presented. He/she should have a clear understanding of central many-body methods.
Admission
PhD candidates from the University of Oslo should apply for classes and register for examinations through Studentweb.
If a course has limited intake capacity, priority will be given to PhD candidates who follow an individual education plan where this particular course is included. Some national researchers’ schools may have specific rules for ranking applicants for courses with limited intake capacity.
PhD candidates who have been admitted to another higher education institution must apply for a position as a visiting student within a given deadline.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
A good background in mathematics is needed. Courses like FYS3110 – Quantum Mechanics or FYS-MENA3110 – Kvantenanofysikk (discontinued) are recommended.
Overlapping courses
10 credits overlap with FYS-KJM4480 – Quantum mechanics for many-particle systems (discontinued)
Teaching
The course contains 4 hours of lectures per week. The course also contains 2 hours of group work per week.
Additional literature will be required. This will consist of at least two selected scientific articles to be agreed upon.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Two project assignments (grade) that is given 60% weight in the final grading in the course. Final oral exam that is given 40% weight in the final grading in the course.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.