2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Science Department of Physics Graduate major in Physics
Advanced Special Lectures in Physics VIIII
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Yukio Tanaka
- Class Format
- Lecture
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - Intensive
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.T638
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 3-4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Oct 9, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
In this lecture, we will explain the basics of topological superconductivity with non-trivial edge and surface states. The theory of tunneling effect, Josephson effect, and proximity effect, which are the basic phenomena in superconducting junctions, will be explained based on quantum statistical mechanics. The physics of the Andreev bound state created by the Andreev reflection, where an injected electron is reflected as hole, is explained focusing on the unconventional superconductors. Further, physical meaning of Andreev bound state is discussed from the view point of symmetry of the Cooper pair and the mathematical structure of the Hamiltonian. In addition, we explain basics of "topological superconductivity" with topologically protected edge states (surface Andreev bound states).
Course description and aims
To understand the basics of topological superconductivity and its background. Understand the derivation of the Andreev bound state from basic theories such as the Bogoliubov-De Gennes equation. In addition, deepen the understanding of basic phenomena at the superconducting interface such as tunnel effect, Josephson effect, and proximity effect. Further learn the basics of topological superconductivity and understand recent developments.
Keywords
Superconductivity, Andreev reflection, Topological materials, Topological superconductivity
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The course will be conducted in an intensive format and is scheduled to be held on December 17 (Wed), 18 (Thu), and 19 (Fri).
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Basics of many-body systems and BCS theory |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 2 | Basics of unconventional superconductor |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 3 | Bogoliubov deGennes equation and Andreev reflection |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 4 | Surface Andreev bound states (SABS) and tunneling phenomena in unconventional superconductors |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 5 | Quasiclassical Green’s function |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 6 | Topology in condensed matter |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 7 | SABS and topological invariant |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 8 | Majorana fermion |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 9 | Design of topological superconductor |
specified by the instructor during class |
| Class 10 | Superconductivity in topological materials |
specified by the instructor during class |
Study advice (preparation and review)
Textbook(s)
「超伝導接合の物理」 田仲由喜夫 名古屋大学出版会
Reference books, course materials, etc.
トポロジカル絶縁体・超伝導体 野村健太郎(丸善)
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluation will be based on course attendance and submitted reports.
Related courses
- PHY.C341 ： Condensed Matter Physics I
- PHY.C342 ： Condensed Matter Physics II
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics is desirable.