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402-0861-00L 10 Credits DR , MSC D-ITET , D-MATH , D-PHYS
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Statistical Physics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Eugene Demler
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:04

Abstract

This lecture covers the concepts of classical and quantum statistical physics. Several techniques such as second quantization formalism for fermions, bosons, photons and phonons as well as mean field theory and self-consistent field approximation. These are used to discuss phase transitions, critical phenomena and superfluidity.

Objective

This lecture gives an introduction in the basic concepts and applications of statistical physics for the general use in physics and, in particular, as a preparation for the theoretical solid state physics education.

Content

Kinetic approach to statistical physics: H-theorem, detailed balance and equilibirium conditions. Classical statistical physics: microcanonical ensembles, canonical ensembles and grandcanonical ensembles, applications to simple systems. Quantum statistical physics: density matrix, ensembles, Fermi gas, Bose gas (Bose-Einstein condensation), photons and phonons. Identical quantum particles: many body wave functions, second quantization formalism, equation of motion, correlation functions, selected applications, e.g. Bose-Einstein condensate and coherent state, phonons in elastic media and melting. One-dimensional interacting systems. Phase transitions: mean field approach to Ising model, Gaussian transformation, Ginzburg-Landau theory (Ginzburg criterion), self-consistent field approach, critical phenomena, Peierls' arguments on long-range order. Superfluidity: Quantum liquid Helium: Bogolyubov theory and collective excitations, Gross-Pitaevskii equations, Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes available in English.

Literature

No specific book is used for the course. Relevant literature will be given in the course.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Statistical Physics
  • Tue 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 5)
  • Wed 13:45-15:30 (HPV G 5)
4 h weekly
exercise Statistical Physics
  • Tue 15:45-17:30 (HCI J 4)
  • Wed 11:45-13:30 (HIT H 42)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mathematics Master
    • Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area. Credits from other application areas cannot be recognised for further application areas.)
      • Theoretical Physics (In the Master's programme in Applied Mathematics 402-0205-00L Quantum Mechanics I is eligible as a course unit in the application area Theoretical Physics, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics wasn't or isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)
    • Electives (For the Master's degree in Applied Mathematics the following additional condition (not manifest in myStudies) must be obeyed: At least 15 of the required 28 credits from core courses and electives must be acquired in areas of applied mathematics and further application-oriented fields.)
  • Physics Master
    • Core Courses (One Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics from Physics Bachelor is eligible; however, this Core Course from Physics Bachelor cannot be used to compensate for the mandatory Core Course in Experimental or Theoretical Physics. For the category assignment keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.)
  • Doctorate Mathematics (More Information at: )
    • Subject Specialisation (The list of courses (together with the allocated credit points) eligible for doctoral students is published each semester in the newsletter of the ZGSM.)
  • Quantum Engineering Master
    • Core Courses (A minimum of 24 credits must be obtained from core courses during the MSc QE, course selection is subject to the tutor's agreement.)
      • Physics Core Courses (These core courses target students with an engineering background and all those who need additional physics foundations.)