Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After the course, the students will be prepared for the present-day research in condensed matter physics and, in particular, in quantum engineering and nanotechnology. The participants will develop abilities to follow/understand ongoing research (in the form of papers, presentations, seminars) as well as develop skills needed to start research in the field of the low-temperature physics.
Theory of Superconductivity: The students will get a basic understanding of the fascinating phenomenon of superconductivity and will learn how the features of superconducting materials are used in creation of various quantum devices; will be able to calculate properties of simple superconducting structures; will get an idea about very modern developments in this area of physics, like topological materials.
Nanoelectronics: The students will master advanced techniques for modeling electrical and thermal transport processes in nanoelectronics. They will acquire a solid background on the operation of nanoelectronic devices such as single-electron transistors, Cooper pair pumps, SQUIDs, SINIS coolers, nanomechanical oscillators, parametric amplifiers.
Low Temperature Physics: The students will learn how to construct a successful experiment using low-temperature techniques.
Credits: 5
Schedule: 12.01.2021 - 13.04.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Vladimir Eltsov, Pertti Hakonen, Gheorghe-Sorin Paraoanu
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Vladimir Eltsov
Contact information for the course (valid 09.12.2020-21.12.2112):
For Spring 2021 term (Theory of Superconductivity) contact the teacher Vladimir Eltsov or the assistant Giacomo Catto via standard Aalto e-mail address or via Microsoft Teams chat.
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Theory of Superconductivity: The Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory of superconductivity; normal-superconducting interfaces; Josephson and tunneling phenomena, weak links; superconducting nanostructures; introduction to unconventional and topological superconductivity.
Nanoelectronics: review of key results in quantum physics and solid-state physics, semiclassical transport (Boltzmann equation), scattering theory (Landauer-Buttiker formalism), tunneling and Coulomb blockade, SIS and NIS junctions, superconducting qubits, graphene, noise and correlations, input-output theory, nanomechanical systems, quantum amplifiers, advanced quantum materials for nanoelectronics.
Low Temperature Physics: Behavior of matter at low temperatures; modern refrigerators and submilliKelvin apparata; ultrasensitive measurement techniques.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Homework and written final exam after each part.
Applies in this implementation:
In Spring 2021, if exceptional circumstances continues till April (likely), the exam will be organized as a home exam with problems posted to MyCourses and solutions returned there.
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
(per each part)
Contact teaching: 24 hrs (2 hrs/week)
In-class exercises: 24 hrs (2 hrs/week)
Independent work: 75-90 hrs
Exam: 3 h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Lecture notes and other course material will be listed on MyCourses.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
quantum physics and solid-state physics, e.g. PHYS-E0414, PHYS-E0421
- Teacher: Catto Giacomo
- Teacher: Eltsov Vladimir