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Thursday, November 04, 2010
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
CNLS Conference Room (TA-3, Bldg 1690)

Seminar

An introduction to quantum phase transitions

Lijun Zhu
T-4

Quantum phase transitions are transitions between different quantum phases at absolute zero temperature, tuned by a physical parameter in the Hamiltonian rather than the temperature. I will first review the concepts of classical phase transitions with the well-known Ising model. I will then use the quantum Ising model in a transverse magnetic field to illustrate the concepts of quantum phase transitions, including quantum-classical mapping, quantum scaling, and quantum critical phenomena. I will also briefly introduce the frontier research topics in this area, such as applications to high temperature superconductors,quantum information, and black holes.

Host: Lijan Zhu