PHYS-C0256 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Lecture, 10.1.2022-23.2.2022

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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 student

  1. Can explain the basic concepts of statistical physics, which include micro- and macrostates, ensembles, partition function, Boltzmann distribution, and equipartition theorem.
  2. Can explain, starting from the statistical definitions, the concepts of temperature, entropy and thermodynamic potentials.
  3. Can identify the quantum-mechanical density operator corresponding to a basic quantum system.
  4. Can solve basic master equation for a quantum two-level system.
  5. Applications of quantum thermodynamics: heat transport, thermometry and refrigeration

Credits: 5

Schedule: 10.01.2022 - 23.02.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Jukka Pekola

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The basic concepts and assumptions of statistical mechanics. The basics of ensemble theory: microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles. Entropy, temperature, and thermodynamic potentials. Quantum density operator in statistical physics. Energy dissipation and decoherence of two-level quantum systems from the statistical physics point of view. Introduction to the theory of quantum thermodynamics and applications. 

     

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching methods: lectures and exercises 

    Assessment methods: exercises and exam

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures: 24 h, exercises: 12 h, exam: 3 h + independent work

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    S. J. Blundell and K. M. Blundell, Concepts in Thermal Physics (Oxford University Press 2006) and lecture notes on quantum thermodynamics and applications.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Period:

    2020-2021 Spring III

    2021-2022 Spring III

    Course Homepage: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=PHYS-C0256

    Registration for Courses: In the academic year 2021-2022, registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi) instead of WebOodi.

    Registration via WebOodi.

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Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof