Many Body Theory 1

A.Y. 2026/2027
6
Max ECTS
42
Overall hours
SSD
PHYS-02/A
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide an accurate presentation of important techniques needed in the study of many-particle
systems in condensed matter, statistical mechanics, nuclear physics. It is a course in non-relativisti, low-energy field theory, with many
particles. The main topics are: second quantization, Hartree-Fock equations, the Gell-Mann and Low theorem, Wick's theorem, timeordered
and retarded Green functions, Feynman's diagrams, Dyson equations and resummation of Hartree and RPA terms, Hedin's
equations, linear response theory, quasiparticles. The theory is illustrated by applications to
The homogeneous electron gas.
Expected learning outcomes
To write operators in second quantization.
The comprehension of the Hartree Fock approximation, and knowledge of the HF properties of the electron gas.
The meaning of T-ordered and retarded Green funcions, and their relation in frequency space. To evaluate a Lehmann expansion.
To pass from an equation of motion to a Dyson equation. The structure of poles and their meaning.
The meaning of normal ordering and contraction, and the conditions for the validity of Wick's theorem, evaluation of correlators.
Knowledge of the Feynman rules and their origin. To write the analytic expression of a Feynman diagram in x and k spaces.
Meaning of the generalized dielectric function, and of the RPA approximation.
To know and apply the linear response theory.
Evaluate the effective mass and the dispersion law of a quasiparticle.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Second quantization. Field operators.
Hartree-Fock and Thomas-Fermi approximations.
Interacting electron gas.
Fermion Green's functions in the ground state.
Gell-Mann and Low theorem and reduction formula.
Wick's theorem and Feynman diagrammatic expansion.
Self-energy, polarization, effective interaction, and vertex function.
Hedin's equations and the GW approximation.
Advanced self-energy representations (ADC, self-consistency).
Spectral representation (Källén-Lehmann) and spectral function in solids, nuclei, and molecules.
Linear response. Applications to the interacting electron gas (RPA, screening, plasma oscillations, total energy) and to atomic nuclei (giant resonances, electroweak response).
Prerequisites for admission
- Fundamentals of the structure of matter (Fermi gas, dielectric function, specific heat of solids).
- Fundamentals of mathematical methods (complex integration and residue theorem, Fourier transform, convolution, Euler's Gamma function, elements of distribution theory).
- Fundamentals of quantum mechanics (harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, Dirac formalism, Heisenberg and interaction pictures, Dyson expansion of the time-evolution operator, translations and rotations, spin and Pauli matrices, identical particles).
Teaching methods
Lessons at the blackboard.
Teaching Resources
Reference material and specific course information will be uploaded to MyAriel as they become available.
Main reference text: Fetter and Walecka, "Quantum Theory of Many-Particle Systems" (Dover reprint edition).
Textbooks and readings covering specific sections are recommended during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam featuring a presentation on a topic explored in greater depth, as agreed upon with the instructor. The oral discussion will also include questions to assess understanding of key aspects of the course.
PHYS-02/A - Theoretical Physics of Fundamental Interactions, Models, Mathematical Methods and Applications - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor: Barbieri Carlo
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tue 14:00-15:00 (during the semester), or email me anytime for an appointment
My office is on floor 1 of LITA building, Phys. Dept., Via Celoria 16