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
- Review of the quantum-mechanical description of two-level systems and tight-binding models
- Exploring fundamental tight binding models through simulation
- The Dirac Hamiltonian, Berry phases, Berry curvatures
- Non-trivial topology in band structures
- The (anomalous) Quantum Hall Effect
- Graphene and other two-dimensional materials
- Experimental techniques to probe Quantum Materials
- Coherent Dynamics of Electrons and the superconducting wavefunctions
- Key electromagnetic properties of superconductors
- Josephson junctions and SQUIDS
- Applications of superconductors including quantum sensing and quantum computing
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%)
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Quantum materials: fundamentals and applications
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Quantum materials: fundamentals and applications
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Exam form: Oral (summer session)
- Subject examined: Quantum materials: fundamentals and applications
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory