STUDENT-LED COLLOQUIUM: QUANTUM PHASE COLLOQUIUM

Course Description

In quantum mechanics, states are described by wave functions that are necessarily complex valued. Despite probabilities being dependent on only the magnitude of the wave-function, complex phases play an essential role in the framework of quantum physics. I aim to use this course to develop a systematic account of the role of quantum phase in physics. We will start off with its appearance in probability currents and interference, and slowly introduce its role in momentum, gauge structure, and (hopefully) topological phenomena in condensed matter. The last major focus will be an exploration of the quantum hall effect, as it well encapsulates almost everything in the course within a remarkable experimental result.

PHYS 115A is a strongly encouraged prerequisite to this course.

This is a student-led colloquium led by Ian Sackin under the supervision of Matthew Fisher.