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PH40140: Quantum theory of matter

[Page last updated: 23 April 2025]

Academic Year: 2025/26
Owning Department/School: Department of Physics
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EXOB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • PH52029 Written examination (EXOB 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must ( take PH30030 OR take PH30134 )
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: outline the role of topology in topical problems in condensed matter physics; describe the SSH model of polyacetylene and its properties; explain the concept of the Berry phase in adiabatic quantum mechanics; describe the low-energy electronic properties of graphene; outline how topology guarantees metallic conduction on the surface of topological insulators; set up second quantised Hamiltonians, and describe e-e and e-ph interactions up to lowest order; write down Feynman diagrams for CMP problems, and calculate corresponding Green functions; describe Green芒锟斤拷s functions, including how to interpret them; apply diagrammatic techniques to calculate basic properties.


Synopsis: You will learn about how many-body techniques and topological band theory can be applied to a range of topics in condensed matter physics, including graphene and topological insulators.

Content: Topological band theory (10 hours): Review of band theory & tight binding. Topology, Berry phase. Edge states in SSH Model: existence, topological protection, bulk-boundary correspondence. Graphene: tight-binding theory; low-energy Dirac fermions; symmetries; edge states. Kane-Mele model: topological insulators. Many-body theory (10 hours): Review of second quantisation; Green's functions and perturbation theory. Applications to the evaluation of material properties.

Course availability:

PH40140 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFM16 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Theoretical Physics (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM17 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Theoretical Physics with Research placement (Year 4)
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics (Year 4)
  • USXX-AAM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USXX-AKM01 : MSci(Hons) Mathematics and Physics with Year long work placement (Year 5)

PH40140 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys(Hons) Physics (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Research placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AAM12 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USPH-AKM03 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USPH-AKM04 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 5)
  • USPH-AFM10 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics (Year 4)
  • USPH-AFM11 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Research placement (Year 4)
  • USPH-AAM14 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study year abroad (Year 5)
  • USPH-AKM10 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional Placement (Year 5)
  • USPH-AKM11 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Professional and Research Placements (Year 5)
  • USPH-AAM15 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Astrophysics with Study year abroad and Research Placement (Year 5)
  • USPH-AAM13 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Study year abroad and Research Placement (Year 5)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2025/26 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2026/27 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2025/26.
  • 好色tv and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.