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402-0770-00L 6 Credits MSC D-PHYS
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Physics with Muons: From Atomic Physics to Solid State Physics (University of Zurich)

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Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:37:31

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)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Registration modalities, date and venue of this performance assessment are specified solely by the UZH.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Physics with Muons: From Atomic Physics to Solid State Physics (University of Zurich)
**Course at University of Zurich**
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Physics with Muons: From Atomic Physics to Solid State Physics (University of Zurich)
**Course at University of Zurich**
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In