QUANTUM MAGNETISM AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY - 2017/8

Module code: PHYM062

Module provider

Physics

Module Leader

GINOSSAR E Dr (Physics)

Number of Credits

ECTS Credits

7.5

Framework

FHEQ Level 7

JACs code

F342

Module cap (Maximum number of students)

N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Overall student workload

Independent Study Hours: 117

Lecture Hours: 22

Tutorial Hours: 11

Assessment pattern

Assessment type	Unit of assessment	Weighting
Coursework	COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT I (SUPERCONDUCTIVITY)	15
Coursework	COURSEWORK ASSIGNMENT II (MAGNETISM)	15
Examination	EXAM	70

Alternative Assessment

None.

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

The module will assume prior knowledge equivalent to the following modules. If you have not taken these modules you should consult the module descriptors - Quantum Physics (PHY2069). Solid State Physics (PHY2068) & From atoms to Lasers (PHY2062). Recommended: Advanced Quantum Physics (PHY3044).

Module overview

This module is designed to provide an introduction to the theory and applications of quantum magnetism and superconductivity and their applications in modern science and technology. Both superconductivity and magnetism are manifestations of electronic charge and spin, and constitute prime examples of phase transitions in metals. A range of phenomena that is resulting from these phase transitions is surveyed. A significant part of the module is devoted to modern technological applications in magnetometry, spintronics, and quantum information processing. Finally advanced topics such as an introduction to quantum phase transitions and quantum information processing are discussed.

Module aims

To provide an introduction to the important role that electronic interaction plays in solid-state physics leading to phase transitions in electronic systems. To provide a theoretical introduction to microscopic theory and phenomenology of both quantum magnetic phenomena and superconductivity. To provide Introduction to applications of solid state physics to metrology, micro-electronics and quantum information processing. To provide an introduction to the theory of quantum phase transitions.

Learning outcomes

		Attributes Developed
001	Describe the electromagnetic behaviour of Type I superconductors in electromagnetic fields, and the London equations	KC
002	Exhibit a good understanding understanding of how the microscopic theory (BCS) is derived and how its predictions relate to experimental observations	KC
003	Demonstrate an ability to perform simple analytical derivations with second quantized operators	CT
004	Exhibit an understanding of phase transitions in condensed matter especially in the context of the Ginzburg-Landau theory	KCT
005	Understand the behaviour of SQUID devices and demonstrate ability to perform calculations regarding their properties	KC
006	Explain how quantum bits can be realised with superconducting circuits	KC
007	Apply the principles of exchange interactions to determine magnetic ordering in materials.	KC
008	Discuss how each type of ordered phase is associate with a broken symmetry and to solve problems related magnetic ordering.	KC
009	Evaluate spin diffusion and injection efficiencies in multi-layer systems.	KC
010	Solve quantum mechanical problems related to the operation of quantum gates.	KC

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Module content

Superconductivity

Historical overview of superconductivity

Electrodynamics of superconductors

Introduction to BCS Theory

Ginzburg-Landau theory

Magnetism

Diamagnetism, Quantum mechanical (Brillouin) theory of paramagnetism

Magnetic order: Exchange interactions, Ferromagnetism & Currie temperature, anti-ferromagnetism, magnetism in metal (Pauli paramagnetism and itinerant ferromagnetism), domains.

Spintronics: Giant magnetoresistance (GMR), tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR), semiconductor spintronics (spin transistor, spin injection, spin dynamics)

Advanced Magnetic ordering, Broken symmetry, phase transitions, Landau theory of ferromagnetism, spin waves, quantum computing with spins

Special Topics

Examples: High-Tc superconductivity, topological insulators/superconductors

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide:

a comprehensive theoretical treatment for the subject knowledge

practice in problem solving for the cognitive skills

The learning and teaching methods include:

“chalk and talk” lectures backed up with guided study to stimulate uptake of subject knowledge (2 hour per week x 11)

tutorial demonstration of solutions to key problems after students have attempted them for formative feedback (1 hour per week x 11)

Assessment Strategy

Assessment Strategy

analytical ability by solution of unseen problems in both coursework and exam

subject knowledge by recall of both “textbook” theory and important research articles in the exam

ability to generalize text-book theory by open-ended research component in the coursework

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

a 1.5 hour exam with 2 sections: Section A - Superconductivity (10 mark questions, answer 2 out of 3 ) & Section B: Magnetism (10 mark questions, answer 2 out of 3), weighted at 70%

2 assignments on specials topics, which will take a total of 40 hours of effort, each weighted at 15% - total of 30%

Formative assessment and feedback

Students will receive verbal feedback on progress with problems in tutorials and model solutions to the tutorial questions.

Reading list

Reading list for QUANTUM MAGNETISM AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/phym062

Programmes this module appears in

Programme	Semester	Classification	Qualifying conditions
Physics MPhys	2	Optional	A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Physics with Quantum Technologies MPhys	2	Compulsory	A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics MPhys	2	Optional	A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Physics with Astronomy MPhys	2	Optional	A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module
Physics MSc	2	Optional	A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2017/8 academic year.