2022 Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Special Lectures in Physics XXXXVI
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Tomoki Ozawa
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Intensive
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.P586
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2022
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
"Quantum simulation and topological phases in synthetic quantum matter"
Lecturer: Dr. Tomoki Ozawa (Tohoku University)
In this lecture, I will introduce recent developments in the study of synthetic quantum matter, an emerging field in the intersection between condensed matter physics and AMO (atomic, molecular, and optical) physics. In synthetic quantum matter, one studies many-body physics of atoms and/or light through their precise control enabled by techniques of AMO physics. Examples of synthetic quantum matter are quite diverse and include ultracold quantum gases and trapped ions, where one studies atoms, and photonic crystals and photonic cavities, where ones studies light, and various polaritons, where ones studies quasiparticles made of light and matter. In synthetic quantum matter, one can experimentally realize various Hamiltonians and models of interest, which can be called quantum simulation. I will elucidate what is different and what is common between the study of many-body physics in synthetic quantum matter and that in conventional condensed matter physics such as solid-state electrons. I will put emphasis on the recent study of topological condensed matter physics in synthetic quantum matter.
Course description and aims
The master course students are expected to fully understand the contents at the standard level.
The students are expected to solve the standard problems provided by the lecturer.
Keywords
Synthetic quantum matter, quantum simulation, topological phases
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The lecture is given in a form of intensive course in Japanese.
6/8 (Wed) 13:00-17:30 (including breaks)
6/9 (Thu) 13:00-17:30 (including breaks)
6/10 (Fri) 13:00-17:30 (including breaks)
Place: TBA
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | What is synthetic quantum matter | The lecturer will instruct during classes. |
| Class 2 | Quantum simulation in synthetic quantum matter | |
| Class 3 | Introduction to topological phases I | |
| Class 4 | Introduction to topological phases II | |
| Class 5 | Quantum simulation of topological phases | |
| Class 6 | Topological phases in classical material | |
| Class 7 | Synthetic dimensions and high-dimensional physics | |
| Class 8 | Topological laser | |
| Class 9 | From quantum simulators to quantum computers |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
None.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
[1] Pethick and Smith, "Bose-Einstein Condensation in Dilute Gases, 2nd Edition" (Cambridge, 2008)
[2] Stringari and Pitaevskii, "Bose-Einstein Condensation and Superfluidity" (Oxford, 2016)
[3] Joannopoulos, Johnson, Winn, and Meade, "Photonic Crystals, 2nd Edition" (Princeton, 2008)
[4] Bernevig and Hughes, "Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors" (Princeton, 2013)
Other references including relevant reviews will be instructed during classes.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluated by questions and discussions during classes and a report related to lectures.
Related courses
- PHY.C342 ： Condensed Matter Physics II
- PHY.Q438 ： Quantum Mechanics of Many-Body Systems
Prerequisites
None.