Quantum complexity in condensed matter physics S Julian University of Toronto Emergent properties Particle behaviour of fluctuating modes Broken symmetry and rigidity Indirect interaction
Condensed Matter Physics Fundamental Physics Applied Physics -Quantum properties of many body systems -Noise (eg in electronic circuits) -Novel soft matter, elasticity and viscosity -Modeling the universe -memory devices for computers -processors for computers -corrosion and catalysis -superconducting devices Elementary particle physics energy Condensed matter physics biology time
Combinatorial chemistry vs. emergent properties
Empty boxes are more interesting than people think! At 0K: zero point motion At high T: electrons and positrons are created At Low T: black-body radiation
Analogy with quantum condensed matter physics: At 0K: zero point motion of phonon, electron-hole pairs, etc. At high T: electrons and positrons are created At Low T: black-body radiation Real phonons and electrons+holes
Dispersion relations for (quasi)particles
How to make a metal
Conventional phase transition: broken symmetry states
Conventional phase transition Spontaneous symmetry breaking The susceptibility diverges > rigidity
Mass enhancement Magnetic pairing
Indirect interactions: - One of the central principles of physics
Unusual “particle-like” excitations are possible in condensed matter systems Overdamped modes Propagating modes
The quantum critical point Fe Cu At Tc, fluctuations diverge
quantum critical superconductivity?
CePd2Si2 phase diagram
Methodology of condensed matter physics: Crystal growth: Crystals are to us what stars are to astronomers Scattering: A good way to find out what is inside something is to throw something at it and see how it bounces off Nano-physics: Scanning tunneling microscopy, point contact spectroscopy, etc. Low temperatures and high magnetic fields: Dilution refrigeration
Anvil pressure cells
Antiferromagetic insulator Phase diagram of Ca2RuO4 Antiferromagetic insulator Temperature / K Ferromagnetic metal Pressure / kbar
Structural transitions
Atomic orbitals in crystals
Orbital ordering
Summary The fundamental principles of quantum condensed matter physics are: Emergent properties: new kinds of ‘particles’ emerge as complexity increases Broken symmetry and rigidity Indirect interactions The methodology focuses on crystal growth, scattering and low temperatures.