Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (Coursera)

Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics (Coursera)

This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic phenomenon. It will then proceed to discuss various modern topics in quantum condensed matter physics, including fractionalization, anyon statistics, topology, and non-equilibrium phases. The course aims to provide learners with an appreciation for some modern topics in condensed matter physics.

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This course is part of the The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter Specialization.

What you'll learn

  • Explain superconductivity.
  • Discuss fractionalization and particle statistics.
  • Define topological phases
  • Identify non-equilibrium phases.

Syllabus

Superconductivity
Module 1
In this module we introduce superconductivity and a phenomenological (non-microscopic) theory to describe it.

From BCS Theory of Superconductivity to Fractionalization
Module 2
In this module we introduce a highly microscopic theory of superconductivity known as the BCS theory. We identify a curious consequence of this theory - the phenomenon of spin-charge separation, which is a special case of fractionalization.

Topology in Condensed Matter
Module 3
This module introduces the concept of topology, which plays a central role in modern condensed matter physics.

Non-Equilibrium Phases of Matter
Module 4
This module introduces non-equilibrium quantum matter, a central topic in modern condensed matter physics.

Go to Class
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