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402-0770-00L 6 Credits MSC D-PHYS

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Physics with Muons: From Atomic to Solid State Physics (University of Zurich)

Physik mit Myonen: Von der Atomphysik zur Festkörperphysik (Universität Zürich)

No enrolment to this course at ETH Zurich. Book the corresponding module directly at UZH as an incoming student. UZH Module Code: PHY432 Mind the enrolment deadlines at UZH:

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Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:06:42

Abstract

Introduction and overview of muon science. Particularly, the use of polarized muons as microscopic magnetic probes in condensed matter physics will be presented (Muon spin rotation and relaxation techniques, muSR). Examples of recent research results in magnetism, superconductivity, semiconductors, thin film and heterostructures.

Objective

Basic understanding of the use of muons as microscopic magnetic micro probes of matter. Theory and examples of muon spin precession and relaxation (muSR) in various materials. Selected examples in magnetism, superconductivity, semiconductor physics and investigations of heterostructures. Determination of fundamental constants and atomic spectroscopy with muons. The lecture is a useful introduction for people interested in a Bachelor/Master thesis in muSR research at the Paul Scherrer Institute.

Content

Introduction: Muon characteristics. Generation of muon beams Particle physics aspects: Muon decay, measurement of the muon magnetic anomaly Hyperfine interaction, muonium spectroscopy Fundamentals of muon spin rotation/relaxation and resonance. Static and dynamic spin relaxation. Applications in magnetism: local magnetic fields, phase transitions, spin-glass dynamics. Applications in superconductivity: determination of magnetic penetration depths and coherence length, phase diagram of HTc superconductors, dynamics of the vortex state Hydrogen states in semiconductors Thin film and surface studies with low energy muons.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes in English are distributed at the beginning.see alsohttp://www.psi.ch/lmu/lectures

Literature

http://www.psi.ch/lmu/EducationLecturesEN/Literature.pdf

Learning Materials (Links)

Documents
Vorlesungsskript
Literature
A. Yaouanc, P. Dalmas de Reotier: Muon Spin Rotation, Relaxation and Resonance

General Information

Language: German
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Anmeldemodalitäten, Datum und Ort dieser Leistungskontrolle werden ausschliesslich von der UZH festgelegt.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Physik mit Myonen: Von der Atomphysik zur Festkörperphysik (Universität Zürich) Kurs an der Universität Zürich	Tue 09:00-11:00 Tue None-None	2 h weekly
exercise	Physik mit Myonen: Von der Atomphysik zur Festkörperphysik (Universität Zürich) Kurs an der Universität Zürich	Tue 11:15-12:00 Tue None-None	1 h weekly

Offered In

Physics Master
- Electives
  - Electives: Physics and Mathematics
    - Selection: Electives at the University of Zurich (University of Zurich lecturers explicitly recommended the following courses also to physics students at ETH Zurich. Recognition of the corresponding external ECTS credits has to be granted by the Director of Studies. Submit your request to the Study Administration ( ).)