6 EC
Semester 2, period 4, 5
53542ATT6Y
Topics will cover all subjects of interest to theory students of all fields, from low- to high-energy physics, from condensed matter to string theory. The target group consists of advanced master's students who have completed their standard introductory master's courses. The topic for ATTP2 in the academic year 2019/2020 is “Theoretical physics: from the cosmos to the stock market”.
You can find more information about this semester at this link:
https://www.drstp.nl/events/advanced-topics-in-theoretical-physics-spring-2026/
Schedule Spring 2026:
Module 1:
Introduction to holography and its applications
Javier Gomez Subils
Lectures and exercises: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23
Exam: Mar 2 (pass/fail)
Location: Utrecht
Abstract:
Gauge/gravity duality (often referred to as holography) offers a powerful tool to investigate strongly coupled systems using geometrical methods. Within this framework, observables of quantum field theories at strong coupling are mapped to geometrical objects such as black hole solutions or minimal surfaces. In this course, I will introduce the basic framework and show how to perform some of the standard computations. Prior knowledge of General Relativity is essential. In addition, familiarity with Quantum Field Theory will be very useful to make the most of the course
Module 2:
The large-scale structure and non-linear Universe: from analytical to perturbative to numerical approaches
Matthieu Schaller
Lectures and exercises: Mar 9, 16, 23, 30 – (no course on April 6)
Exam: Apr 13 (pass/fail)
Location: Leiden
Abstract: TBA
Module 3:
Hedin’s formalism for many-body perturbation theory
Irene Aguilera Bonet
Lectures and exercises: Apr 20, May 11, 18, June 1 – (No course on April 27, May 4 and May 25)
Exam: June 8
Location: Science Park G3.10 (Amsterdam)
Abstract:
The collective motion of a vast number of interacting particles leads to intriguing physics that strongly deviates from the behaviour of individual particles. In crystals, such emergent phenomena result from interactions involving electrons and collective excitations like plasmons, magnons, and excitons. Combining these interactions poses many theoretical challenges, but the collective phenomena arising from it have the potential to revolutionize modern quantum devices for sustainable electronics and information technology.
In this course, I will introduce Hedin’s formalism for many-body perturbation theory (MBPT). At its core, MBPT centres around the Green function, which characterizes the propagation of a particle as it moves through a solid while interacting with other particles through the self-energy—an effective potential encompassing all possible quantum many-body interactions. Approximations for the self-energy can be based on an expansion in terms of Feynman diagrams, visual representations of the mathematical expressions that describe the scattering between interacting particles. In 1965, Hedin formulated a set of five equations that, when solved iteratively, yield an exact solution for the self-energy and the Green function. These equations establish connections among five crucial quantities: the Green function G, the vertex function Γ, the polarizability P, the screened Coulomb interaction W, and the self-energy Σ. Hedin’s equations thus offer an ideal theoretical framework for investigating emergent, collective properties of functional materials. By starting only with a lattice structure, we can fully derive material properties from first principles, without the need for any adjustable parameters.
The tutorials in this module will involve both pen-and-paper exercises and computational hands-on sessions using the MBPT code SPEX (www.flapw.de/Fleur-v26/spex).
Useful, but not necessary, prior knowledge: basics of Quantum Field Theory and Green’s functions.
During the semester, three different modules will be given. Each module consists of four lectures (2hrs each) and four exercise sessions (4hrs each), scheduled on the same day. The list of modules to be taught during any given semester as well as the location will be communicated via email and the web.
|
Activity |
Number of hours |
|
Lectures |
24 |
|
Exercise sessions |
48 |
|
Self-study |
96 |
| Item and weight | Details |
|
Final grade |
At the end of the module there is an exam. All exams are pass/fail. You need to pass all three exams to receive credit for the course.
The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl
| Weeknummer | Onderwerpen | Studiestof |
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 | ||
| 6 | ||
| 7 | ||
| 8 | ||
| 9 | ||
| 10 | ||
| 11 | ||
| 12 | ||
| 13 | ||
| 14 | ||
| 15 | ||
| 16 |
This course is given as part of the educational program of the Delta Institute for Theoretical Physics (D-ITP). The D-ITP is a joint initiative between the universities of Amsterdam (UvA), Leiden (UL) and Utrecht (UU), and the lectures will be given by professors from these three institutions. The location of the lecturers and exercise sessions rotates as well.
The target group is advanced master students Theoretical Physics who have completed their standard introductory master's courses.
You can find more information about the course and register at this link:
https://www.drstp.nl/events/advanced-topics-in-theoretical-physics-spring-2026/
Because the course is shared with other universities, students must also register at this link to receive information about the course and get access to the course material. The course material (such as lecture notes, exercises, discussion with lecturers, Zoom access, and video recordings) will be accessible via another online platform shared between the three universities. You must register at the link above to have access to the platform.