Course Syllabus

SyllabusforPhysics250Fall2016_20160920.pdf

Course description: Quantum materials encompass some of the most fascinating phenomena in condensed matter physics, including high temperature superconductivity and topologically protected surface states.  Understanding emergent phenomena in quantum materials will push the boundaries of basic physics and will also potentially have applications in tomorrow’s technology.  In this course, we will highlight how a variety of novel spectroscopic tools can be used to elucidate quantum materials of contemporary interest, with a focus on experimental efforts and opportunities in the UC Davis physics department. The goal of this course is to expose students to key questions in this field, and have them become comfortable with critically evaluating experimental research papers on the topics covered.

Coordinates:  M/W 2:40-4:00 PM, Physics Building 525

Topics: High-temperature cuprate superconductors, high-temperature iron-based superconductors, topological insulators, Dirac and Weyl semimetals, heavy fermion compounds, strongly correlated electron systems, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy, resonant (inelastic) x-ray scattering, ultrafast spectroscopies.