Computational quantum physics

Summary

The numerical simulation of quantum systems plays a central role in modern physics. This course gives an introduction to key simulation approaches, through lectures and practical programming exercises. Simulation methods based both on classical and quantum computers will be presented.

Content

Keywords

Quantum simulation, Variational Monte Carlo, Machine Learning in Physics, Density Functional Theory, Lanczos, Path Integral Monte Carlo, Quantum Computing, Second Quantization, Time-Dependent Variational Principle

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

A solid understanding of quantum mechanics (I and II) is required.

Students should have a good working knowledge of at least one common programming language (Python, C, C++, Fortran, Julia...). Knowledge of Matlab is typically sufficient, but it is strongly advised to be familiar with Python, since the exercises will be typically presented and discussed in Python.

Recommended courses

The following courses are recommended but not compulsory

PHYS-403 - Computer simulation of physical systems I, highly recommended to get an introduction to simulation paradigms for physical systems

PHYS-467 - Machine learning for physicists, highly recommended to get an introduction to modern machine learning, since part of the course will make us of machine learning to study quantum systems

PHYS-641 - Quantum Information and Quantum Computing, also highly recommended since part of the course will cover quantum algorithms

To have a broader view of the importance of the problems attacked during the course, it is also suggested to attend the following courses

PHYS-419 - Solid State Physics III

PHYS-426 - Quantum Physics IV

Learning Outcomes

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

• Model a quantum problem through numerical tools
• Identify suitable algorithms to solve or approximately solve a certain quantum problem
• Discuss the limitations of a given algorithm
• Carry out computer simulations of physical systems

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra with exercises

Expected student activities

Practical assignments will be given every week.

Solutions to the assignements will be handed out and the homework will not be graded.

It is strongly advised however to make the effort to do the homework weekly, since the final exam will also evaluate the understanding of the practical implementation aspects of the computational methods.

Assessment methods

The course is graded through an oral exam.

The oral exam will assess both the general theory as well as the understanding of the practical implementation of the algorithms, as presented during the practical weekly exercises.

Resources

Bibliography

Suggested books to acquire a broader view on the topics discussed in the lecture notes

"Quantum Monte Carlo Approaches for Correlated Systems", F. Becca & S. Sorella, (Cambridge University Press, 2017)

"Computational Physics", J. M. Thijssen, (Cambridge University Press)

"Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations", W. Krauth, (Oxford Master Series in Physics)

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Computational Physics / Thijssen
• Quantum Monte Carlo Approaches for Correlated Systems / Becca
• Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations / Krauth

Notes/Handbook

Detailed Lecture Notes will be provided

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/PHYS-463