Physics 556

Solid State Physics II

Many-Body Physics

Spring 2006

MWF 10:40-11:35 in Physics B-131

Instructor: Prof. Adam Durst Physics B-139 631-632-8132 adam.durst@stonybrook.edu Office Hours: TBA

Scope of the Course

A study of the fundamental principles and concepts underlying many-particle interactions in condensed matter physics. We will begin by developing the formalism of many-body diagrammatic perturbation theory and will then use this formalism to describe real phenomena in solids. While PHY 555 concentrated on the behavior of independent electrons (in the presence of a crystal lattice) and phonons, PHY 556 will focus on the interaction effects responsible for the wide array of collective states of matter which exist in nature. Furthermore, while the purpose of PHY 555 was to introduce you to the basic concepts of condensed matter physics, the purpose of PHY 556 is to develop some of the tools you will need to make your own contribution to this field.

Prerequisites: PHY 555 (Solid State Physics I) or permission of instructor

Syllabus (tentative, abridged, and subject to the interests of the class)

Second Quantization

Zero-Temperature Green’s Functions

Nonzero-Temperature Green’s Functions

Transport in Disordered Conductors (Linear Response Theory)

Fermi Liquid Theory

Superconductivity

X-ray Spectra in Metals (Orthogonality Catastrophe)

Luttinger Liquids

Kondo Effect

Quantum Hall Effect

Texts

Mahan, Many-Particle Physics (required)

Fetter and Walecka, Quantum Theory of Many-Particle Systems

Abrikosov, Gorkov, and Dzyaloshinski, Methods of Quantum Field Theory in Statistical Physics

Negele and Orland, Quantum Many-Particle Systems

Schrieffer, Theory of Superconductivity

Pines and Nozieres, The Theory of Quantum Liquids, Vol 1

Homework Policy

Problem sets will be assigned every other week. They will be due two weeks later and returned two weeks after that. Late problem sets will not be accepted. Problem sets should be written up neatly and clearly. Rough drafts that cannot be read easily will not be accepted. While discussions with fellow students are encouraged, submitted work must be written in your own words.

Presentation (in lieu of final)

At the end of the term, each student will give a presentation to the class on a topic of interest in condensed matter physics.

Grading

Problem Sets -- 70%

Presentation -- 30%