Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics

This course will begin by discussing superconductivity - a central example of a macroscopic phenomenon. It will then proceed to discuss various modern topics in quantum condensed matter physics, including fractionalization, anyon statistics, topology, and non-equilibrium phases. The course aims to provide learners with an appreciation for some modern topics in condensed matter physics.

• Superconductivity
• In this module we introduce superconductivity and a phenomenological (non-microscopic) theory to describe it.
• From BCS Theory of Superconductivity to Fractionalization
• In this module we introduce a highly microscopic theory of superconductivity known as the BCS theory. We identify a curious consequence of this theory - the phenomenon of spin-charge separation, which is a special case of fractionalization.
• Topology in Condensed Matter
• This module introduces the concept of topology, which plays a central role in modern condensed matter physics.
• Non-Equilibrium Phases of Matter
• This module introduces non-equilibrium quantum matter, a central topic in modern condensed matter physics.