Quantum materials: fundamentals and applications

Summary

Introduces the exceptional electromagnetic and optical properties of low-dimensional, Dirac and superconducting materials - the quantum-mechanical models that explain them, and experimental techniques to probe them. Surveys new applications in information processing, sensing, energy technologies..

Content

Keywords

Tight-binding models, Dirac Hamiltonian, Berry phases, Berry curvatures, Band Topology, Quantum Hall Effect, Graphene, 2D Materials, Coherent electron dynamics,
superconductivity, Meissner effect, Josephson junction, SQUID, quantum sensing, quantum computing

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Electromagnetism, General Physics III, or equivalent.

A course about fundamentals of solid matter, e.g. MSE-423 Fundamentals of solid-state materials, Solid state physics, Theory of materials: from structures to properties, or equivalent

Important concepts to start the course

Basic quantum mecanics, electromagnetism, Fourier transforms, band structures.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Construct complex tight-binding models
• Implement Dirac Hamiltonians
• Interpret quantum-mechanical effects in materials
• Examine the electromagnetic properties of superconductors
• Propose appropriate methods to characterize quantum materials
• Reason about applications of 2D materials and superconductors

Transversal skills

• Plan and carry out activities in a way which makes optimal use of available time and other resources.
• Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
• Use both general and domain specific IT resources and tools
• Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
• Collect data.
• Write a scientific or technical report.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra, exercises, simulations, basic experiments, lab visit

Expected student activities

Attend lectures and exercises, complete problem sets, perform siumlations and basic experiments, partake in a lab visit

Assessment methods

Brief report on a measurement (25%)

Brief report on an experiment (25%)

Oral exam (50%)

Resources

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/MSE-494