Content

This module provides a detailed discussion of the fascinating properties of quantum liquids, mesoscopic solid state systems (nanostructures) as well as experimental low temperature techniques. The following specific topics will be addressed:

• Bose-Einstein condensation
• Superfluid Helium-3 and Helium-4
• Quantum interference effects in mesoscopic metallic systems (weak localization, universal conductance fluctuations, etc.)
• Coulomb blockade and single electron transistors
• Generation of low temperatures
• Measurement of low temperatures

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of the module the students are able to:

• to identify the fundamental differences between classical and quantum liquids
• to describe the transition from a classical to a quantum liquid by reducing the temperature
• to explain the relevance of quantum statistics (bosons vs. fermions) for the general behavior of quantum liquids
• to derive the expression of the Bose-Einstein condensation temperature
• to list and explain the basic properties of superfluid He-4 and He-3
• to list and explain the characteristic length and time scales playing an important role for charge transport in mesoscopic conductors as well as to apply them for the description of charge transport phenomena
• to describe the impact of quantum interference effects in the charge transport in mesoscopic systems and to explain phenomena such as universal conductance fluctuations and weak localization
• to list the most relevant methods for the generation of low temperatures as well as to describe and explain their physical foundations

Preconditions

Basic knowledge on condensed matter physics and quantum mechanics.