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402-0532-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-PHYS

Quantum Solid State Magnetism

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Mengze Zhu
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:17

Abstract

This course is based on the principal modern tools used to study collective magnetic phenomena in the Solid State, namely correlation and response functions. It is quite quantitative, but doesn't contain any "fancy" mathematics. Instead, the theoretical aspects are balanced by numerous experimental examples and case studies. It is aimed at theorists and experimentalists alike.

Objective

Learn the modern theoretical foundations and "language", as well as principles and capabilities of the latest experimental techniques, used to describe and study collective magnetic phenomena in the Solid State.

Content

- Magnetic response and correlation functions. Analytic properties. Fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Experimental methods to measure static and dynamic correlations. - Magnetic response and correlations in metals. Diamagnetism and paramagnetism. Magnetic ground states: ferromagnetism, spin density waves. Excitations in metals, spin waves. Experimental examples. - Magnetic response and correlations of magnetic ions in crystals: quantum numbers and effective Hamiltonians. Application of group theory to classifying ionic states. Experimental case studies. - Magnetic response and correlations in magnetic insulators. Effective Hamiltonians. Magnetic order and propagation vector formalism. The use of group theory to classify magnetic structures. Determination of magnetic structures from diffraction data. Excitations: spin wave theory and beyond. "Triplons". Measuring spin wave spectra.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A comprehensive textbook-like script is provided.

Literature

In principle, the script is suffient as study material. Additional reading: -"Magnetism in Condensed Matter" by S. Blundell -"Quantum Theory of Magnetism: Magnetic properties of Materials" by R. M. White -"Lecture notes on Electron Correlations and Magnetism" by P. Fazekas

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Quantum Solid State Magnetism
  • Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT H 42)
2 h weekly
exercise Quantum Solid State Magnetism
  • Thu 15:45-16:30 (HIT J 51)
1 h weekly

Offered In