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Quantum complexity in condensed matter physics. S Julian University of Toronto. Emergent properties Particle behaviour of fluctuating modes Broken symmetry and rigidity Indirect interaction. Condensed Matter Physics. Fundamental Physics. Applied Physics.
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Quantum complexity in condensed matter physics S Julian University of Toronto • Emergent properties • Particle behaviour of fluctuating modes • Broken symmetry and rigidity • Indirect interaction
Condensed Matter Physics Fundamental Physics Applied Physics -Quantum properties of many body systems -Noise (eg in electronic circuits) -Novel soft matter, elasticity and viscosity -Modeling the universe -memory devices for computers -processors for computers -corrosion and catalysis -superconducting devices Elementary particle physics energy Condensed matter physics biology time
Empty boxes are more interesting than people think! • At 0K: zero point motion • At high T: electrons and • positrons are created • At Low T: black-body radiation
Analogy with quantum condensed matter physics: • At 0K: zero point motion • of phonon, electron-hole pairs, etc. • At high T: electrons and • positrons are created • At Low T: black-body radiation • Real phonons and electrons+holes
Conventional phase transition Spontaneous symmetry breaking The susceptibility diverges > rigidity
Mass enhancement Magnetic pairing
Indirect interactions: - One of the central principles of physics
Unusual “particle-like” excitations are possible in condensed matter systems Overdamped modes Propagating modes
The quantum critical point Fe Cu At Tc, fluctuations diverge
Methodology of condensed matter physics: • Crystal growth: • Crystals are to us what stars are to astronomers • Scattering: • A good way to find out what is inside something is to throw something at it and see how it bounces off • Nano-physics: • Scanning tunneling microscopy, point contact spectroscopy, etc. • Low temperatures and high magnetic fields: • Dilution refrigeration
Phase diagram of Ca2RuO4 Antiferromagetic insulator Temperature / K Ferromagnetic metal Pressure / kbar
Summary • The fundamental principles of quantum condensed matter physics are: • Emergent properties: new kinds of ‘particles’ emerge as complexity increases • Broken symmetry and rigidity • Indirect interactions The methodology focuses on crystal growth, scattering and low temperatures.