Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena

The course is not given every year. It will be given autumn 2027.

Fundamental concepts in, and examples of, phase transitions. Properties near critical points. Universality classes. Scaling and the scaling laws. Overview of simple models. Introduction to renormalization group theory and the Kadanoff-picture. The Wilson picture and renormalization group theory. Direct space and k-space renormalization. Topological phase transitions. The superfluid phase transition. Elitzur's theorem and the superconductor-normal metal phase transition.

The student is expected to obtain considerable insight into various types of phase transitions, and how these can be described theoretically in different ways, e.g., using renormalization group theory. The course is well suited for master students who want an introduction to advanced statistical physics.

Lectures. Voluntary calculation exercises. When lectures and lecture material are in English, the exam will usually be given in English only. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours.

Joint lectures with FY8303.