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2026-2027 / PHYS2027-2

Ultracold atoms and Bose-Enstein condensates

Duration

25h Th

Number of credits

 Master in physics, research focus4 crédits 
 Master in physics, teaching focus (Réinscription uniquement, pas de nouvelle inscription)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, professional focus in medical radiophysics4 crédits 
 Master of education, Section 4: Physics5 crédits 

Lecturer

Peter Schlagheck

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course gives an introduction into the physical principles of Bose-Einstein condensation and their realization with ultracold atoms. We shall particularly discuss - quantum statistical physics - Bose-Einstein condensation with noninteracting particles - cold atoms in magnetic and optical traps - atom-atom interaction - mean-field theory of an interacting Bose-Einstein condensate - collective excitations within a condensate - superfluidity

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The aim of this course is to understand the basics of Bose-Einstein condensation with ultracold atoms on the level that one is able to appreciate state-of-the-art experiments on the topic. This will also permit us to deepen the general knowledge of advanced quantum mechanics.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

It is recommended to have followed the course "Advanced quantum mechanics", in order to better understand topics of advanced quantum theory that are needed to explain Bose-Einstein condensation with ultracold atoms (such as many-particle theory or scattering theory).

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

The course will be given "ex cathedra" on the blackboard, in combination with the presentation of transparencies.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Recommended literature: - K. Huang: "Statistical Mechanics" (John Wiley & Sons, 1963) - C.J. Pethick & H. Smith: "Bose-Einstein Condensation in Dilute Gases" (Cambridge University Press, 2002) - L. Pitaevskii & S. Stringari: "Bose-Einstein Condensation" (Oxford University Press, 2003) - L. D. Landau and L. M. Lifshitz: "Quantum Mechanics" (Pergamon Press, 1965)

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

oral exam

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Peter Schlagheck Département de Physique Université de Liège IPNAS, building B15, office 0/125 Sart Tilman 4000 Liège Phone: 04 366 9043 Email: Peter.Schlagheck@ulg.ac.be http://www.pqs.ulg.ac.be

Association of one or more MOOCs