Field theory and many body physics, Konkuk University

Fall 2016

Instructor: T. Volkoff
Course schedule: F 13:00 - 16:00, Room 505, Science Building
Office hours: W 16:00-17:00, Room 413, Science Building
Overview: These lectures cover the fundamentals of quantum field theory and its applications to condensed matter physics. They also introduce the basic principles of quantum information theory, including quantum communication protocols and quantum algorithms.

Physics prerequisites: Two semesters of quantum mechanics at the graduate level. Classical mechanics including special relativity. Some experience with classical field theory (e.g., classical electrodynamics) may be useful.

Mathematical prerequisites: Linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, basic methods of real and complex analysis, basic theory of groups and rings. I highly recommend "Mathematics for physics" by Stone and Goldbart.

Textbook: We will not follow any textbook closely, but will sometimes refer to the required texts for exercises. A "*" denotes an advanced text.
"Quantum and statistical field theory", Le Bellac (required)
"Quantum computation and quantum information", Nielsen and Chuang (required)
"Quantum field theory", Srednicki (required)
"Quantum theory of many-particle systems", Fetter and Walecka (recommended)
"Condensed matter field theory", Altland and Simons (recommended)
"Physics of quantum fields", Stone (optional)
"Methods of quantum field theory in statistical physics" Abrikosov, Gor’kov, Dzyaloshinskii (optional)*
"Quantum many-particle physics", Negele and Orland (optional)*
"Quantum field theory", Ryder (optional)
"Quantum field theory", Kaku (optional)
"Quantum field theory in a nutshell", Zee (optional)

Collaboration policy: Discussion and collaboration with classmates is encouraged on problem sets. However, before collaborating on a problem, please spend at least 45 minutes attempting a solution by yourself. Each student must write up each solution independently. Cheating or plagiarism results in a score of 0 on the assignment and a report to the appropriate university authorities. If you find the solution to a homework problem on the internet or in a textbook, you can formulate the answer in your own words and provide a full reference.

In-class policy: Students are encouraged to record the lectures by taking handwritten notes. Do not otherwise record the lecture by photograph, videotape, audiotape, etc. I will provide lecture notes online two days after the corresponding lecture. If the lecture is proceeding too quickly, please ask me to repeat the needed material. If you have a question during the lecture, it is important that you ask it! Usually many people are wondering the same thing.

Grading:

• 5-6 problem sets (40%) (Problem solving is the most important part of the course. All homeworks are worth the same value. At the end of the semester, you may elect to replace your lowest homework score by a score based on your class participation. For example, Student X was too busy to complete Homework 4, so she did not do it. However, she received a score higher than zero on all other homework assignments, she sometimes raises her hand in class to ask a question, and came to office hours a few times during the semester. Student X will receive a full score on Homework 4.)
• 1 take home midterm exam (30%)
• Literature presentation (30%): “Professional’s Perspective” By yourself or with one partner, choose a physicist specializing in quantum field theory or quantum information whose active period is between 1980-Present. Prepare a 30 minute presentation (chalkboard or electronic) that showcases two major results achieved by the physicist. What were the major insights? What mathematical techniques were used? Why are the results important? Presentations will be on Dec. 16