Condensed matter theory is an enormous, rich, evolving field which is
impossible for a single professor to explain or even describe in a single
graduate course. In order to help our students navigate this
varied terrain, Cornell's condensed-matter theory group has developed
Basic Training in Condensed-Matter Theory, a challenging,
modular
course taught once per year by a rotation of four condensed-matter theorists.
Students are exposed to a different set of active research areas each year,
and learn sophisticated analytical and numerical methods in the extensive
exercises.
This year our course replaces the traditional many-body physics course 654,
and will incorporate some of the tools and concepts from that field.
Tentatively, we plan to cover
Jan 21 - Feb 13
James Sethna (sethna@lassp.cornell.edu, Clark 528)
Continuum Theories of Crystal Defects
Grader: Yong Chen (yc355@cornell.edu)
Feb 18 - Mar 13
Erich Mueller (em256@cornell.edu, Clark 514a)
Probes of Cold Atoms
Grader: Stefan Natu (ssn8@cornell.edu)
Mar 25 - April 10
Craig Fennie (fennie@cornell.edu, Clark 226)
Competing Ferroic orders: the magnetoelectric effect
Grader: Johannes Lischner (jl597@cornell.edu)
April 15 - May 1
Eun-Ah Kim (eun-ah.kim@cornell.edu, Clark 507)
Quantum Criticality
Grader: Kaden Hazzard (kh279@cornell.edu)
The various modules may involve weekly homework, daily "teasers", and small projects.
First-year students are welcome, but
the course will be at a high level of sophistication; we
expect background in condensed matter physics at least equivalent to
Ashcroft and Mermin. Experimentalists and others interested in working
through two or more modules are encouraged to register for the class.
All are welcome to audit and participate as time and background permit.
Pass-fail.
