Many Body Theory 2

A.Y. 2026/2027
6
Max ECTS
42
Overall hours
SSD
PHYS-02/A
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course presents the theory of many particles in thermal equilibrium, with applications to: particles in disordered potential,
superconductivity, superfluidity. The main topics are: the electron-phonon interaction and the Cooper pairing, review of the grancanonical
formalism, imaginary-time evolution, thermal T-ordered and retarded Green functions, expansion with Matsubara
frequencies, KMS property, equations of motion, Wick's theorem, Feynman diagrams, Lehmann representation, linear response,
evaluatiuon of the thermodynamic potential, particles in a random potential (conductivity and T-matrix). Thermodynamics of
superconductivity, Ginzburg-Landau equations. BCS model. Superfluidity (phenomenology and Bogoliubov's theory)
Expected learning outcomes
Basics of elasticity theory. Origin of the electron-phonon interaction, attractive regime, Cooper pairing.
Basics of thermodynamics in gran-canonical ensemble. Perturbative evaluation of the potential.
Knowledge of the interaction picture and T-exp of propagator in imaginary time.
Thermal Green functions. Motivate the distinction among fermionic and bosonic frequencies.
Apply Wick's theorem to the evaluation of correlators. Deduce the reduction formula.
Evaluate the analytic expression of a Feynman diagram in x and k space.
Evaluate the Lehmann representation for retarded and T-ordered Green functions.
Evaluate the necessary formulae for linear response.
Basics of thermodynamics of supeconductors. Deduce the Ginzburg-Landau equations. Reproduce Abrikosov's evaluation to classify
type I and type II superconductors. Know the order of magnitude of critical fields and temperatures, typical lengths.
Write and motivate the BCS Hamiltonian. Knowledge of the matrix formalism by Nambu and Gorkov for Green functions.
Obtain and discuss the gap equation for a homogeneous superconductor.
Basics of phenomenology of superfluid Helium, and the theory by Bogoliubov
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to homogeneous elastic media. Phonons. Debye cutoff. Electron-phonon interaction. Cooper pairs.
Grand canonical formalism. Ideal gases, Bose-Einstein condensation. Free-electron diamagnetism.
Finite-temperature Green's functions, KMS properties, and Matsubara frequencies. Wick's theorem and finite-temperature Feynman rules.
Self-energy, polarization, and Dyson equations.
Finite-temperature Hartree-Fock approximation (T_c of an interacting Bose gas).
Lehmann representations and retarded functions. Linear response.
Applications: RPA, screening, plasma oscillations, electrons in a random potential and derivation of Drude's law, T-matrix, nuclear matter at finite temperatures.
Superconductivity: phenomenology, thermodynamics, London equations, Ginzburg-Landau theory, Type I and II superconductors. Bogoliubov-de Gennes theory, BCS theory in the Nambu-Gorkov formalism. Vortices.
Superfluidity: phenomenology, phonon modes.
Brief overview of the boson path integral.
Prerequisites for admission
Completion of the first module is recommended.
However, the course requires a thorough knowledge of second quantization, familiarity with statistical mechanics and thermodynamics (ideal gases, grand canonical ensemble), the structure of matter, mathematical methods (complex integration, Fourier series and integrals, distributions, Gamma and Zeta functions), and quantum mechanics (identical particles, Heisenberg and interaction pictures, symmetries).
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