Theory course in low temperature physics, autumn 2000
Matalien lämpötilojen fysiikan teoria, syksy 2000
[Kyl-0.104, 3 ov, L V, 27+27 (2+2) sl 00]
This lecture course is based on a book with the same name by Supriyo Datta (Cambridge University Press, 1995). The following is copied from its back cover:
Recent advances in technology have made it possible to fabricate structures whose dimensions are much smaller than the mean free path of an electron. This book is the first to give a thorough account of the theory of electronic transport in such mesoscopic systems. Important concepts are illustrated by reference to relevant experimental results.
The book begins with a chapter summarizing the necessary background material. The next chapter introduces the 'transport formalism' which is widely used in describing mesoscopic transport. The applicability of this formalism to different transport regimes is examined and practical methods for evaluating the transmission function are discussed. This formalism is then used to describe three key topics in mesoscopic physics: quantum Hall effect, localization, and double barrier tunneling. .... The book closes with a simple intuitive description of the non-equilibrium Green's function formalism and its relation to the transmission formalism.
The lectures may cover also some related topics, for example, one-dimensional electron gas, Coulomb blockade or superconductivity.
Some previous knowledge of elementary quantum mechanics is needed (Schrödinger equation, Fermi distribution, harmonic oscillator).
Lectures on Fridays, 10-12 in F2
(Physics building, Helsinki University of Technology)
First lecture 15.9.2000. No lecture and exercises on 20.10.
Exercises fridays 12.30-16 in F2, start on 22.9.
Examination by discussion with the lecturer.
For possible changes see this web page: http://boojum.hut.fi/opetus/mlft.html.
Lecturer Erkki Thuneberg, assitants Mika Sillanpää and Janne Viljas
31.8.2000, Erkki Thuneberg,
ethuneb@cc.hut.fi