Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena

The course is given next time autumn 2027.

Phase transitions. Properties near critical points. Multicomponent Landau theory. Universality classes. Overview of simple models. Scaling. Correlation functions. Renormalization theory: Direct space and k-space renormalization. The Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition. Brief introduction to gauge theories.

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 PhD-students who want an introduction to advanced statistical physics.

Lectures. Voluntary calculation exercises. When lectures and lecture material are in English, the exam is normally given in English only.

Joint lectures with FY3106.