Selected topics in modern condensed matter physics I

Abstract

Students will be introduced to selected current "hot" topics of modern condensed matter physics research. ( for topics please see "Inhalt"). We will discuss: conceptual questions, methods, interplay between experiment and theory.

Objective

The goal of this course is to provide an introduction to current "hot topics" of condensed matter physics. Conceptional questions will be addressed, experimental methods will be mentioned, and the connection to the relevant materials will be made. The interplay between theoretical and experimental contributions will be highlighted. Audience: Students of Physics, Materials Science, and Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences.

Content

A list of topics is given in the following, and it will be modified according to the students' preferences. ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTORS (1D/2D conduction, electron-lattice interaction, transport in molecular organic crystals, applications in thin film electronics, ) QUANTUM MAGNETS (Low-dimensional magnetism, spin liquids, spin chains, spin ladders, Haldane conjecture, gapped – non-gapped excitation spectra) HIGH TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTIVITY (cuprate superconductors, phase diagram, pseudogap, order parameter symmetry, application status in cables and electronics, ...) NANOTUBES (carbon- and others, electronic properties, helicity, “circuits from nanowires”, 2 D el. structure, graphine sheet, “MgB2”) MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS (charge transport across a single molecule, is it a way towards a new computing paradigm?) Additional topics will be considered upon request.

Resources