Particles, Nuclei and Universe (Pnu)

Course code: PARTICLES, NUCLEI AND UNIVERSE (PNU) Semester 1
Contributes M1 General Physics

to:
Course Elias Khan (Institut de Physique Nucléaire)

director:
Course Grégory Moreau (Laboratoire de Physique
teachers: Théorique),
Laurent Verstraete (Institut d’Astrophysique
Spatiale)
Volume: 40 hours lectures and 30 hours tutorials 8 ECTS (Major
Period: Weeks 37-50 course)
Assessment: Written partial and final examinations
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
Learn the basics features about the particle standard model, nuclear structure,
nucleosynthesis, stellar evolution, and cosmology
Course prerequisites and corequisites:

-Classical mechanics
-Basics in statistical physics, Quantum mechanics and Special relativity
-Classical field theory: Maxwell equations
This Major course constitutes preparatory lectures for the following Minor courses of the 2nd
semester : «Astrophysics and Astroparticles», «Experiments and Applications in Sub-atomic
Physics» and «General Relativity and Cosmology».
Contents:
This major covers six chapters, following the history of the synthesis of matter in the Universe:
Chapter 1: Particles and symmetries (GM)

Klein-Gordon equation & Time-dependent perturbation theory
Application to processes with scalar particles
Calculation of basic particle reactions / introducing the Feynman diagrams
Symmetries of particles / reactions (spacetime, internal, gauge)
Experiments: collisions, kinematics and conservation laws
Chapter 2: Hadron synthesis (GM)

The quark model
The main hadron properties
Experimental proofs: partons, colors and gluons
Phenomenology of the hadrons
Chapter 3: The primordial Universe (LV)

I- The distant Universe: Objects and distances, distribution of matter - Evidence for dark matter - The
cosmological principle - The expansion law and its recent acceleration - The FLRW metrics and the
scale factor R(t) II- Cosmic evolution: The observational pillars for the Big Bang model - The energy
content of the Universe, the critical density - The Friedmann equations - Applications III- The building
of matter after big-bang Nucleosynthesis of light elements, the neutron-to-proton ratio, baryon density
and baryon-to-photon ratio - The recombination, decoupling of matter and radiation
Chapter 4: The nucleus, a unique manybody system (EK)

Dimensionless study of many-body systems
Finite systems, the spin-orbit rule
The case of nuclei: from QCD to the nucleon-nucleon interaction, nuclear superfluidity
From mean-field to magic numbers, the isospin symmetry, the nuclear chart
Chapter 5: From nuclear states to nuclear dynamics (EK)
Nuclear states: localisation
Nuclear spontaneous reactions: more than a dozen of radioactivities
Statistical physics-like approaches: the liquid drop (mass parabola, the alpha radioactivity, fission and
fusion)
Probing nuclei
Astronuclei
Chapter 6: Star formation and evolution (LV)

I- From cloud to star: Gravitational instability, cloud fragmentation and Initial mass function - Free fall
and hydrostatic evolution - Disk formation II- A star on the main sequence properties of a star on the
main sequence, mass-luminosity relationship- Evolution in the HR diagram - Stellar nucleosynthesis -
White dwarf stage
On completion of the course students should be able to:

- Understand the major open questions in particle and nuclear physics, cosmology and stellar
evolution
- Practice and predict basic physical related quantities: cross sections, star lifetime, particles
quantum numbers, etc.
Textbooks/bibliography:
Quarks & leptons (Halzen, Martin)
Gauge theory of elementary particle physics (Cheng, Li)
Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell (C. Bertulani)
Astrophysics in a nutshell (Maoz)
The physics of stars (Phillips)
Extragalactic astronomy and cosmology: an introduction (Schneider)
Course code: SOLID STATE PHYSICS (SSP) Semester 1

to:
Course Philippe Mendels

director:
Course Philippe Mendels, Agnes Barhélémy
teachers:
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
The aim of this course is to provide an introduction and a comprehensive view on modern solid state
physics at an undergraduate level from the widespread basics to emergent fields of research which
can be tackled at an elementary level (e.g. graphene). It emphasizes the fundamental aspects
underlying quantum macroscopic phenomena in solids, which are present in most common materials
of our daily life, metals, semiconductors, magnets. Each chapter will be illustrated by on-going
research trends and/or applications (superconductivity, LEDs, magnetic memories,…)

The prerequisites are usually taught at the level of the third year of university.
In some cases, statistical Physics is not. See below
Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics. Book: Quantum Mechanics by C. Cohen-Tannoudi,
B. Diu, F. Laloë (vol. I and II), Ed Wiley
Fundamentals of Statistical Physics. Book: Statistical Mechanics by K. Huang, Ed Wiley.
Concepts of Statistical Physics needed for this course can be easily learnt in parallel.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Basic model of metals: the free electron gas

General introduction: the need for approximations
Free electron gas: why? Periodicity and screening
Energy levels, density of states, B.V.K. boundary conditions
Statistical population: Fermi statistics, Fermi energy, specific heat, Pauli susceptibility,
comparison with the classical ideal gas and localized paramagnetism
Scanning tunneling microscope
Quantization of levels in a magnetic field: quantum oscillations
Chapter 2: Crystalline Solids
Structures: crystal lattice and primitive unit cell
From 1 D to 3D: Bravais lattices
Diffraction by crystalline solids and reciprocal lattice
Diffraction in practice: lab. X-rays, synchrotron and neutron facilities, electronic microscopy:
from formulas to hands on experiments
Beyond crystals: introduction to amorphous solids and soft matter
Chapter 3: Electronic structure of solids
Electrons in a periodic potential: Bloch’s theorem
Tight binding approach (1D, 2D), electronic instability: Peierls transiton
The physics of graphene
Quasi free electrons
Experimental studies of band structures: photoemission
Classification of solids
Chapter 4: Dynamics of electrons
Back to simple models: Drude approach
Boltzmann equation
Dynamics of Bloch electrons: effective mass, holes
Chapter 5: Electrons at the nanoscale
Coulomb blockade
Band tailoring: heterostructures
Chapter 6: Semiconductors
General introduction: Silicium, Germanium, III-V and II-VI families
Carriers density: intrinsic semiconductors
Holes and electrons dynamics; conduction in an intrinsic semiconductor
Doped semiconductors
Towards applications: diode, LED, solar cells, …
Chapter 7: Magnetism
Macroscopic equations in magnetism and experimental set-ups: susceptibility, torque, high fields
Origins of magnetism in condensed matter: localized moments (from atoms to solids), delocalized
electrons, diamagnetism
Paramagnetism of localized moments
Interacting moments: origin of the exchange interaction, Heisenberg Hamiltonian, Introduction to
single molecule magnets
Mean field treatment of interacting magnetic systems: ferro-, antiferro-, ferri- magnetism
Collective excitations: spin waves; detection of spin waves: electronic resonance, neutron
scattering
Local probes of magnetism
Magnetism and applications: domains, anisotropy, walls, magnets, modern tracks for magnetic
recording
Introduction to spintronics and its applications: novel non-volatile memories, non dissipative spin
transistors, radiofrequency nano-oscillators

- Attend any specialized course related to materials science, nano-condensed matter at the
level of the second year of Master with a good theoretical background in solid state physics.
- Take more formal courses at the level of second year of Master covering advanced concepts
used in Solid State Physics (M2 Fundamental Concepts in Physics)
Have a strong background to follow GP year Minor Courses related to Condensed Matter
Physics
C. Kittel : Introduction to Solid State Physics (J. Wiley and Sons)
N.W. Ashcroft and D.M. Mermin: Solid State Physics (Brooks and Cole)
H. Alloul: Physics of Electrons in Solids (Springer)
M.T. Dove : Structure and Dynamics (O.U.P)
J. Singleton : Band theory and electronic properties of solids (O.U.P)
S.J. Blundell : Magnetism in condensed matter (O.U.P)
Course code: ATOMS, MOLECULES and OPTICS (AMO) Semester 1

to:
Course Nicolas Dubreuil, Nouari Kebaili, Marc Hanna

director:
Course
teachers:
Assessment: Written final examination
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
The physics of atoms and molecules, which constitutes the subject matter of this course rests on a
long history of discoveries, both experimental and theoretical. Far from giving a complete account of
the historical development, this introductory course aims to give an understanding of both theoretical
foundations and key steps, which have occurred in this field. As a direct application of quantum
mechanics it includes materials on basic atomic and molecular physics with discussion on structure,
spectra and interaction with electric and magnetic field.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Key steps on electrons, photons and atoms studies
Elements of quantum mechanics
One-electron atoms:
Schrodinger equation for one-electron atoms
Special hydrogenic systems
Interaction with electromagnetic radiation
Fine structure and hyperfine structure
Interaction with external fields
Many-electron atoms:
Central field approximation
The periodic system of the elements
Corrections to the central field approximation : L-S and j-j coupling
Interaction with electromagnetic radiation and with static fields
Molecular structure:
The Born-Oppenheimer approximation
Molecular orbital theory
The calculation of electronic structure
Molecular rotations and vibrations
Molecular electronic transitions
Chapter 2: Laser Physics

Atoms and photons:
interaction processes, examples of absorption lines, effective area of a laser wave, population
rate equations.
Optical amplification:
Intensity, influence of the origin of spectral broadening, index modulation in the amplifier.
laser amplifiers
The oscillation condition, output intensity, case of the linear cavities, optical spectrum of the
laser oscillator.
Pulsed lasers
Pulsed oscillators and pulsed amplifiers
Laser optics
intuitive approach and detailed study of the spherical Gaussian wave, conditions for stable
laser cavities, higher order modes.
The different types of lasers
Laser safety
Applications of lasers
Chapter 3: Nonlinear optics

Introduction to non-linear optics
Nonlinear Susceptibilities
- Field notations
- Nonlinear susceptibilities tensor: definition
- Properties of the nonlinear susceptibilities
- Contracted notation for the 2nd order nonlinear susceptibility
- Spatial symmetries
Nonlinear wave equation
- Maxwell's equations
- Propagation in a linear anisotropic material
- Stationary nonlinear wave equation
- Nonlinear wave equation in an isotropic materials
- A physical picture: free and driven waves
Second order nonlinearities
- 2nd Harmonic generation
-> Undepleted pump approximation regime
->Phase matching considerations
->Depleted pump regime
- Frequency generation - Parametric processes
->optical parametric fluoresence and amplification
->optical parametric oscillation : OPO
- Quasi-phase matched materials
Third order nonlinearities
- Four-wave Mixing
- Optical Kerr Effect: self-focusing, nonlinear Shrödinger equation, self-phase modulation, solitons
- Raman Scattering: spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering, Raman amplification, Raman
laser
- Brillouin Scattering: spontaneous and stimulated Brillouin scattering
- Two photon absorption
Course code: ADVANCED STATISTICAL and QUANTUM MECHANICS Semester 2

(SQM)
to:
Course director: Emmanuel Trizac

Course teachers: Emmanuel Trizac, Grégory Moreau
Period: Weeks 2 to 12 course)
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
The Statistical Physics program provides an overview of the theory of phase transition, be
they continuous or discontinuous. Mean-field approaches of the Landau family will be
introduced, together with renormalization group techniques.
The aim of the second part of the course on Quantum Physics is to introduce the Quantum
Field Theory for scalar fields - only coupled via a simple self-interaction - up to the
calculation of basic scattering cross sections.
This course requires basic knowledge of probability theory (elementary laws generating
functions, central limit theorem etc), Statistical Physics (see e.g. D. Chandler, Introduction to
Modern Statistical Mechanics, or Diu et al, Physique Statistique), Quantum Mechanics
(typically the content of the book « Quantum Mechanics » - Volume 1 & 2, by F. Laloë, B.
Diu, C. Cohen-Tannoudji) and basic notions in Special Relativity (like the covariant
formalism).
This Major course can be complemented by the Major course « Particles, Nuclei and the
Universe » (1st semester) and of the Minor courses «Soft matter and biological physics »,
« Complex Systems and Information theory » , « Experiments and Applications in Sub-
atomic Physics » (2nd semester).
Contents:
Chapter 1: Phase transitions and critical phenomena : qualitative approaches

Phase transitions: problems raised and classification
Order parameter and symmetry breaking
Magnetic models: Ising, Heisenberg, Potts and the like
Local order and correlation functions
Chapter 2: Going quantitative

From Weis molecular field to Landau approaches
Ginsburg Landau functionals
Chapter 3: Analytical Mechanics

Principle of least action, Hamiltonian
Euler-Lagrange equations
Classical field theory
Noether’s theorem
Chapter 4: Relativistic Quantum Framework
Klein-Gordon equation
Second quantization of a spin-0 field
Green function for a free-field
Canonical commutation relations
Chapter 5: Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
Harmonic Oscillators
Multi-particle states
Evolution operator
Simple scalar theory:
— perturbation theory
— scattering amplitudes
On completion of the course students should be:

familiar with first order or continuous phase transitions, able to perform Ginzburg-Landau analysis,
understand the rationale behind the renormalization group technique, apply the Noether’s theorem
to any case, use path integral techniques, master advanced relativistic quantum mechanics, quantize
spin-0 fields and ultimately calculate reaction amplitudes in Quantum Field Theory.
From Microphysics to Macrophysics, R. Balian, Basic Concepts for Simple and Complex Liquids, J.-L.
Barrat and J.-P. Hansen, Le Bellac, Peres, Landau-Lifshitz, Parisi, Messiah, Feynman, Pitaevski and
Stringari, Klauber, Lahiri and Pal, Bailin and Love (first 75 pages), Peskin and Schroeder (first 100
pages).
Course code: NUCLEAR and PARTICLE PHYSICS (NP) Semester 2

to:
Course director: Grégory Moreau

Course teachers: Iolanda Matea, Grégory Moreau,
Laurent Simard
Volume: 30 hours lectures and 20 hours tutorials 6 ECTS (Minor
Assessment: The final exam form can be either a written
subject containing formal questions plus
physics problem(s), or a research article to
choose, read and present orally
(blackboard or slides).
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
This Minor course proposes to explain general topics in Elementary Particle Physics. First
the theoretical context necessary to describe spin-1/2 particles is presented in details,
including notions of renormalisation. Then the Standard Model (SM) and its breaking of the
ElectroWeak symmetry is introduced. A presentation follows on fermion masses and
neutrino oscillations. From the experimental point of view, the course offers a description of
important discoveries, at high-energy colliders, that have allowed historically to draw the
present SM picture.
The Nuclear Physics part presents a general introduction on the atomic nucleus properties,
then some of the basic models that can describe single particle and collective degrees of
freedom of the nucleus, experimental techniques to investigate the properties of the nucleus
and practical applications of Nuclear processes: material studies, diagnostics and
therapeutics in Nuclear Medicine, radioactive dating.

Those lectures require a solid background in Quantum Mechanics as well as basic notions
in Special Relativity.
This Minor course uses aspects developed within the Major course « Particles, Nuclei and
the Universe » (1st semester) and it is complementary to the Major course « Advanced
Statistical and Quantum Mechanics » (2nd semester).
Contents:
Chapter 1: Description of the atomic nucleus

The nuclear landscape and basic facts for nuclear models; the deuteron properties
Shell model and residual interaction
- Independent particle model
- Two particle configuration
Collective excitations in even-even nuclei, vibrationel and rotational motion
Chapter 2: Experimental studies of the atomic nucleus

Exciting the nucleus
- Particle Accelerators
- Reactions: direct and indirect reactions
- Insight: production and separation of exotic nuclei Observing the nucleus
- Radiation interaction with matter
- Particle detection: general properties of radiat. detectors; semiconductor detectors
Selected experimental techniques
- Particle-gamma detection for nuclear structure studies
- Life-time measurement techniques: from fast timing to beta decay
Chapter 3: Applications of nuclear physics (selected topics)

Nuclear radioactivity and radioactive dating
Chapter 4: Fermionic Particles

The Dirac Equation & Spinors
Charge conjugation operator
Lorentz transformations, Chirality
Aspects of Renormalisation
Chapter 5: The Higgs Mechanism

Spontaneous breaking of global symmetry
The Goldstone theorem : the U(1) example
Mass generation for fermions, Yukawa couplings
Chapter 6: Experimental tests of the Standard Model

Top quark observation at the Tevatron collider
The Higgs scalar discovery at LHC
Chapter 7: Neutrinos
Their masses, oscillation experiments. Constraints from other experiments.
Their nature: double beta decay processes.

write the Lagrangian of the ElectroWeak interactions, understand the Higgs boson mechanism for
mass generation, have an overview of the Standard Model, describe the formalism of neutrino
oscillations, calculate cross sections for reactions between spin-1/2 and spin-1 particles in Relativistic
Quantum Theory, remember the strategies used in the most recent experimental discoveries of new
particles at colliders, understand basic properties of the atomic nucleus through the models
introduced in the lecture, have knowledge about different experimental techniques used to study the
nucleus (excitation, detection) and possess a solid scientific background about fields of application of
nuclear radioactivity.
- Nuclear Structure from a Simple Perspective (Casten)
- Introductory Nuclear Physics (Krane)
- Introduction to Nuclear & Particle physics (Das, Ferbel)
- Relativistic quantum mechanics (Klasen)
- Quarks & leptons (Halzen, Martin)
- Gauge theory of elementary particle physics (Cheng, Li)
Course code: ASTROPHYSICS and ASTROPARTICLES (AA) Semester 2

to:
Course director: Jonathan Biteau

Course teachers: Jonathan Biteau, Bruno Maffei, Tiina
Suomijärvi
Period: Weeks 2 - 12 course)
Assessment: Case study and written final examination
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
The course completes the program of the major course Particles, Nuclei and Universe on
astrophysics by an introduction on our Galaxy, the interstellar matter, star formation and
planetary systems. Basic knowledge on compact objects, large-scale structures and
magnetic fields are provided. Furthermore, the course introduces concepts related in
particular to Astroparticle Physics: cosmic ray acceleration and propagation. An overview of
various detection techniques of cosmic radiations and particles will be provided.

The course requires knowledge of concepts introduced in the major course Particles, Nuclei
and Universe.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Astrophysical accelerators
Zoology, nature and properties
Dynamics: winds, shocks, accretion, jets
Chapter 2: Acceleration processes

General principles of acceleration
Fermi-acceleration and particle acceleration in strong shocks
Chapter 3: Radiation processes - leptonic

Synchrotron radiation, Compton and inverse-Compton effect
Synchrotron self-Compton scenario
Bremsstrahlung and the Heitler model
Gamma-ray air showers
Chapter 4: Radiation processes - hadronic

Pion production
muon, tau, and neutrino production
Haronic air-showers and neutrino showers
Chapter 5: Large-scale structures, magnetic fields and observation methods

Structures in the Universe and intergalactic magnetic field. Methods of observation across the EM
spectrum, photometry, spectroscopy and interferometry.
Chapter 6: Cosmic-ray propagation

Cosmic Ray Spectrum and Composition
Interactions of Cosmic Rays with radiation fields (CMB, EBL)
Propagation of charged particles in magnetic fields
Chapter 7: The interstellar medium

Life cycle of the matter, composition (regions, elements, dust and grains) and processes of the ISM
(radiation and dynamics), the tracers of matter.
Chapter 8: Stellar structure and evolution

Stellar structure and equilibrium. Stellar evolution and terminal stages. White dwarfs, neutron stars,
black holes and pulsars.
Chapter 9: Introduction to galaxies and our Galaxy

The galaxy zoo, galaxy dynamics and structure. AGNs, radio galaxies and QUASARs. The Milky
way and its multi-wavelength observations.
Chapter 10: Planetary systems and extra-solar planets

Solar system: planet properties, planet formation and evolution
Exoplanets: interactions with their host stars, detection methods
On completion of the course students should be:
familiar with the objects of the Universe, familiar with cosmic radiations and particles their production
and propagation, have knowledge of their detection techniques.
An introduction to Galaxies and Cosmology, Jones and Lambourne, Cam. Univ. Press
Extrasolar Planets, P. Cassen, T. Guillot and A. Quirrenbach
- Clayton, Principles of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis, Chicago Press
- Draine, physics of the interstellar and intergalactic medium, Princeton Series in Astrophysics
- Particle Astrophysics, Donald Perkins, Oxford master series in Particle Physics, astrophysics and
cosmology, Oxford University Press
- High Energy Astrophysics, Malcolm S. Longair, vol. 1-3, Cambridge University Press
Course code: SOFT MATTER (SM) Semester 1

to:
Course Giuseppe Foffi, Brigitte Pansu

director:
Course
teachers:
Period: course)
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
This course offers an introduction to soft condensed matter, or “complex fluids” with
emphasis on physical principles that govern their behavior. Soft matter is a subfield of
condensed matter comprising a variety of physical states that are easily deformed by
thermal stresses or thermal fluctuations. They include liquids, colloids, polymers, foams,
gels, granular materials, and a number of biological materials. These materials share an
important common feature in that predominant physical behaviors occur at an energy scale
comparable with room temperature thermal energy. Concepts, experimental techniques, and
open questions will be presented and discussed with students.

Knowledge of thermodynamics and basic statistical mechanics and some familiarity with
differential equations, hydrodynamics and phase diagrams.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction
What is soft matter? Forces, energies and timescales.
Chapter 2: Surface energy and interactions
Surface energy and tension
Wetting: Young’s equation and contact angles
Hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity
Capillarity
Chapter 3: Interactions
Van der Waals interactions: from molecules to colloidal objects
Electrostatic interaction: linear approximation (Debye theory)
Interactions between colloidal particles, DLVO potential.
Stability and Aggregation
Other interactions: Entropy-driven interactions, Hydrogen bounding Hydrophobic interactions
Chapter 4: Statistical Mechanics for Simple and Complex Liquids (Statics)
Review of relevant results in Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics.
Static structure of a liquid: radial distribution functions and structure factors.
The hard-sphere model: thermodynamics, structure and melting.
Phase diagram. Application to protein crystallization
Chapter 5: Elements of complex-fluid dynamics:
Random walk and the diffusion equation.
Brownian Motion of colloidal particles.
Langevin Equation.
Navier-Stokes equation and Reynolds number.
Examples: Implications for living systems (Purcel’s “Life at low Reynold Nuber”)
Chapter 6: Self assembly
Aggregation of amphiphilic molecules; Critical micelle concentration; Shape of micelles;
Lipid bilayers, Nature of the cell membrane
Curvature elasticity, Fluctuations of membranes
Self assembly of colloidal systems
Liquid crystals
Examples of self assembly: viruses
Applications in nanotechnology
Chapter 7: Polymers and biological macromolecules
Examples of polymers
Single-chain statistics, self-avoiding walks
Entropic forces and excluded volume
Wormlike chain and persistence length, DNA
Phase transitions: Flory Huggins free energy for solutions
Chapter 8: Experimental tools
Optics
Rheology, Microfluidics
Course PLASMA PHYSICS and APPLICATIONS (PPA) Semester 1

code:
Contributes M1 General Physics, course from M1
to: Physique et Applications
Course Sebastien Galtier, Jean-Marcel Rax

director: Sebastien Galtier, Jean-Marcel Rax, Tiberiu
Course Minea
teachers :
Volume: 50h 6 ECTS (Minor
Assessment: Written examination
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
This set of lectures is devoted to an introduction to plasma physics and its applications: in
particular, thermonuclear fusion (ITER), space plasmas and plasma discharges, reactors
and thrusters.
Basic knowledge (3rd year level) in classical electrodynamics, statistical physics, fluid
mechanics, analytical mechanics and mathematical tools for physics. No major courses are
requested to follow this course.
Contents:
Chapter 1: Basic plasma physics

Characteristic length, velocity and time scales; Collective effects: electric and magnetic
screenings; Elementary theory of transport, mobility and diffusion; Element of kinetic
theory: Vlasov and Fokker-Planck equations; Wave and instability: ion acoustic wave,
electron plasma wave.
Chapter 2: Advanced plasma physics
From a kinetic to a fluid description; MHD equations: derivation and limits, Alfvén theorem
and magnetic topology; Magnetic tension, Alfvén and magneto-acoustic waves; Magnetic
reconnection: slow and fast, the MRI experiment and space applications; Static
equilibrium: cylindrical case and the Grad-Shafranov equation for tokamaks.
Chapter 3: Applied plasma physics
Discharge physics: high pressure, low pressure, breakdown criteria; Thermonuclear
reactor and fusion physics; Introduction to capacitive, inductive and microwave reactors;
Plasma thrusters and advanced applications.

Broad skills in theoretical and applied plasma physics with a broader interest in the field of
plasma physics. Students should be able to follow in the best conditions the Master 2 in
“Plasma Physics and Fusion”.
R.J. Goldston & P.H. Rutherford, Introduction to plasma physics, IOP, 1995;
F.F. Chen, Introduction to plasma physics, Plenum, 1974;
P.A. Davidson, An introduction to MHD, Cambridge, 2001;
J.M. Rax, Physique des plasmas, Dunod, 2005;
S. Galtier, Magnétohydrodynamique, Vuibert, 2013.
Course PHYSICS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS (SCI) Semester 2

code:
Contributes M1 General Physics, Course from M1
to: Fondamental Physique
Course Guillaume Roux

director:
Course
teachers :
Volume: Lectures 25 hours, Tutorials 25 hours 6 ECTS (Minor
Period: course)
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:

Statistical physics and quantum mechanics
Contents:
- Concept of order parameter mean field theory of phase transitions

- Non homogeneous systems, Ginzburg-Landau theory, functional derivative, domain
walls, superconductivity.
- Fluctuations, mean field correlations, Ginzburg criterion, Upper and lower critical
dimension
- Critical exponents, scaling and universality
- Dynamics of phase transition, Time dependent Ginzburg-Landau, critical slowing down,
Allen-Cahn and Cahn-Hilliard equations.
- Mean-field for quantum systems, Gross-Pitaevkii equation
Principles of Condensed Matter Physics (P. M. Chaikin and T. C. Lubensky);
Phase Transitions and Collective Phenomena (B. Simons);
Course code: GENERAL RELATIVITY AND COSMOLOGY (GRC) Semester 2

Contributes to: M1 General Physics
Course director: Renaud Parentani, Bartjan van Tent

Course teachers: Renaud Parentani, Bartjan van Tent, Réza
Ansari
Period: Weeks 2 - 12 course)
Assessment: Written partial and final examination
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
Part I: General Relativity
- Provide the basic concepts and tools to describe gravitational phenomena in terms of the
geometry of space-time.
- Explain how the metric tensor and the principles of Relativity determine the trajectories of
test particles.
- Explain how the matter distribution determines the properties of the metric tensor.
- Present the main predictions of General Relativity.
Part II: Primordial Cosmology
- Provide a general overview of the history of the universe and introduce the basic concepts,
definitions and equations of cosmology.
- Explain in more detail the theory of some of the most important cosmological processes, in
particular inflation, the production and evolution of cosmological fluctuations, and the cosmic
microwave background radiation.
- Present recent CMB observations, their results and implications for cosmology.
Part III: Observational Cosmology
- Present an overview of the methodology of cosmological observations, especially optical
observations.
- Discuss the observational evidence for dark matter and dark energy.
- Present recent results from optical surveys and future projects.

This course is considered an introduction to the subject. As such it does not require much
prior knowledge. It only requires basic notions of the Lagrangian formulation of classical
mechanics, of Special Relativity, and of thermodynamics.
No corequisites are necessary. It is nevertheless recommended to follow the Major
"Particles, Nuclei and Universe", which contains several complementary notions. It is also
recommended to follow the Major "Advanced Statistical and Quantum mechanics" to be able
to relate General Relativity to the theories of matter fields.
Contents:
Part I: General Relativity
Chapter 1: Equivalence principle, gravity and the geometry of space-time.
Chapter 2: Propagation in curved space-times and geodesics.
Chapter 3: Covariant derivatives, curvature tensor, Einstein's equations.
Chapter 4: Predictions of General Relativity: bending of light, black holes, gravitational waves.
Part II: Primordial Cosmology
Chapter 5: Basics of cosmology; history and content of the universe.
Chapter 6: Primordial inflation.
Chapter 7: Theory of the generation and evolution of cosmological fluctuations during and after
inflation; matter and gravitational wave power spectra.
Chapter 8: Theory and observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Part III: Observational Cosmology

Chapter 9: Hubble parameter measurements.
Chapter 10: Dark matter.
Chapter 11: Dark energy probes.

- Understand that gravitational phenomena, such as planetary orbits, Mercury's perihelion advance,
the bending of light rays, gravitational collapse, and the cosmological expansion, should all be
described in terms of the curvature of space-time.
- Master the basic tools allowing us to describe these phenomena and to make predictions.
- Understand how General Relativity relates to Special Relativity and the theory of Electromagnetism.
- Have a good knowledge of the thermal history of the universe and the processes that play a role
there, as well as the standard cosmological model and the observational evidence that supports it.
- Be able to perform basic calculations in several areas of modern cosmology.
- Be aware of the open questions and future experiments in cosmology.
- J.B. Hartle, "Gravity, An Introduction to Einstein's General Relativity", Addison Wesley, 2003, ISBN
978-0805386622.
- B.Y. Schutz, "A First Course in General Relativity", Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition, 2009,
ISBN 978-0521887052.
- A.R. Liddle, "An Introduction to Modern Cosmology", Wiley, 2nd edition, 2003, ISBN 978-
0470848357.
- J. Rich, “Fundamentals of Cosmology”, Springer, 2010, ISBN 978-3-642-02800-7.
- S. Dodelson, "Modern Cosmology", Academic Press, 2003, ISBN 978-0-12-219141-1.
Course QUANTUM EFFECTS at MACROSCOPIC SCALE Semester 1

code:
to:
Course Pascal Simon

director:
Course Julien Bobroff (U-Psud), Pascal Simon (U-
teachers: Psud)
Volume: Lectures 30 hours, Tutorials 20 hours 6 ECTS (Minor
Period: course)
Assessment: Written examination+ preparation of research
papers
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
Present some modern applications of quantum mechanics in macroscopic systems.

The prerequisites are usually taught at the level of the third year of university.
-Quantum mechanics (Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics. Book : Quantum Mechanics
by C. Cohen-Tannoudi,
B. Diu, F. Laloë (vol. I and II), Ed Wiley
In order to follow this course, this is strongly encouraged to also take in parallel the Major
course in
- Condensed Matter Physics
Contents:
Chapter 1: Superconductivity, superfluids and condensates

Bose-Einstein Condensation and superfluidity
Superconductivity: macroscopic aspects, microscopic theory, thermodynamics
Chapter 2: Mesoscopic physics and quantum transport
Quantization of conductance
Electronic transport in mesoscopic systems (S-matrix formalism)
Orbital magnetism and persistent currents in mesoscopic rings
Josephson effect
Chapter 3: Introduction to quantum information
Quantum Information: History, objectives, perspectives
Quantum bits and Bloch sphere
Entangled states
Quantum teleportation and EPR paradox
Simple examples of quantum computation

‐ Take more formal courses at the level of second year of Master covering advanced
concepts used in Solid State Physics, Quantum physics, Nanoelectronics (M2 Fundamental
Concepts in Physics, M2 Nano, etc.)
-The student should be acquainted with the basics of superconductivity, superfluidity and
quantum transport at the nanoscale. He will knows how quantum mechanics can help to
transmit information in more secure way.
- Principles of Condensed Matter Physics (P. M. Chaikin and T. C. Lubensky)
- Superconductivity, Superfluids, and Condensates (J F Annett, Oxford Master Series in
Condensed Matter Physics)
- S. Datta, Quantum Transport: Atom to Transistor, Cambridge University Press, New York
(2005)
- M. Le Bellac, A short introduction to Quantum information and quantum computation,

Cambridge University Press
- M. A. Nielsen, and I. L. Chuang, Quantum Computation and Quantum Information,

Cambridge University press (2000)
Course code: Ne Sensors, Measurement and Signal Processing (SMS) Semester 1

pas remplir
Contributes to: M1 General Physics
Course director: Réza ANSARI

Course
teachers :
Volume: 25 hours 3 ECTS
Period: Lectures : 5 x 2h = 10 h, Tutorials (TD) = 5 x 2h = 10 h , ComputerLab : 5 h
Assessment: Final examination (50%), partial exam (20%) computer lab report (30%)
Language of English or French

tuition:
Course Objectives: Present the measurement process, the sources of uncertainties and the method to handle them. Basic signal
processing technics and linear filterinf will aslo be presented .
- basic knowledge of probabi lity ans statistics
- basic understanding of Fourier transform
- electrical circuits
Syllabus
Chap 1 : Sensors and measurements process
- Metrology, physical quantities
- Sensors : Principles of operations and general characteristics
Chap 2 : Uncertainties and measurement errors
- Statistical and systematic uncertainties, error propagation
- Parameter estimation
Chap 3 : Signals in Fourier space
- Fourier Transform and its properties
- Convolution and auto-correlation, Spectral energy distribution
- Fourier series, Sin/Cos Transform
Chap 4 : Linear Filtering & passive RLC filters
- Linear time invariant systems, transfer function
- Passive RLC filters
- Bode diagram
Chap 5 : Digital Signal Processing
- Windowing
- Shannon Sampling theorem: sampling in time, sampling in frequency
- DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) and FFT

- Compute uncertainties when combining different measurements, how to control and decrease measurement errors
- Undersatnd effect of filters used in measurement systems
- Use basic signal processing algorithms to extract information from time varying signals
1. Handbook of Modern Sensors - J. Fraden , Ed Springer / AIP press

2. Les capteurs en instrumentation industrielle, G. Ash et al. , Ed. Dunod
3. Digital Processing of Signals, Theory and Practice, 3rd ed. Maurice Bellanger, Wiley
4. Méthodes et techniques du traitement du signal, Jacques Max, Jean-Louis Lacoume Ed. Dunod
5. The Fourier Transform and its Applications, R.N. Bracewell, Mc Graw-Hill
Course code: MATHEMATICAL and STATISTICAL METHODS (MSM) Semester 1

to:
Course Pierre Désesquelles

director:
Course
teachers:
Period: Weeks 37 - 50
Assessment: Written final examination
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives: Learn the methods used to extract relevant information from
experimental and simulated scientific data. Big data and Data mining.

- basic knowledge of probability and statistics
- basic knowledge of matrix algebra, eigenvectors/values
Contents:
Chapter 1: Statistical tools

From probabilities to statistics
Distribution, pdf, distribution function
Characterization
Matrix algebra
Chapter 2: Big data
What are big data and how to handle them?
How to define information, clustering, discrimination?
Multivariate analysis, characterization, discrimination, inference, decision
How to extract information from random uncertainties, error propagation
Chapter 3: Cause/effect relations
Correlation and cause/effect
Partial correlation
Multiple regression
Chapter 4: Evolving processes
States and transitions
Absorbing processes
Regular processes

- Manipulate scientific data and extract relevant information
- Handle big data methods
- Characterize the past and the future of evolving processes
Data-Driven Modeling & Scientific Computation: Methods for Complex Systems & Big Data
Paperback – September 15, 2013 by J. Nathan Kutz
Multivariate Data Analysis (7th Edition) by Joseph F. Hair Jr, William C. Black, Barry J. Babin and
Rolph E. Anderson (Feb 23, 2009)
Course code: ADVANCED MATHEMATICS for PHYSICS (AMP) Semester 2

to:
Course Robin Zegers

director:
Course
teachers :
Volume: Lectures 20 hours, Tutorials 10 hours 3 ECTS
Period:
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives:
To acquire familiarity and operational knowledge of the mathematics of symmetry groups, as
a transversal and structuring notion of modern Physics, from condensed matter to particle
physics.

-Elementary quantum mechanics (Hilbert spaces, operators);
-Elementary linear algebra (Vector spaces, matrices etc).
Contents:
Chapter 1: General Group theory (definitions and main theorems, important examples, compact
topological groups and Haar integral)
Chapter 2: General aspects of the Representation Theory of Groups (operations on finite dimensional
representations of compact groups, irreducible representations, complete reducibility, Schur's
orthogonality relations, character theory, character tables for finite groups, projective representations
in quantum mechanics)
Chapter 3: Some Finite Isometry groups (finite reflection groups, root systems, crystallographic root
systems and Dynkin diagrams, 3d point groups)
Chapter 4: Introduction to Lie groups, Lie algebras and their representations (definition of Lie groups
and their Lie algebras, root systems, Cartan's classification of simple complex Lie algebras,
representations of Lie algebras and theory of weights, Weyl's character formula. Typical examples
include SU(2) and SU(3) as relevant to Particle Physics and, if time permits, the Lorentz and Poincaré
groups of Special Relativity).

-Handle the physically relevant mathematics of group theory and representation theory;
-Manipulate the classical Lie groups and their representations;
-Follow any advanced M2 lecture involving or relying on those notions.
-Kosmann-Schwartzbach, Groups and symmetries;
-Sternberg, Group theory and physics;
-Fulton and Harris, Representation Theory.
Course code: EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS Semester 1 - 2

to:
Course Carole Gaulard
director:
Course
teachers :
Period:
Assessment: Written report
Language of English
tuition:
Course Objectives: To apply the knowledge learnt in the different courses to experimental
physics. To work in different laboratories on complex and large experiments.

To attend the corresponding courses
Contents:
LIST OF EXPERIMENTS
Signal processing (IAS)
Radioactivity and cosmic radiations (IPN)

- Gamma spectrometry
- Internal conversion
Condensed matter (Magistère bat 470)

-Magnetization measurements: from paramagnetism to superconductivity
- Superconductivity: conductivity measurements, quantitative study of flux pinning, SQUID basics
- Glenn F. Knoll – Radiation Detection and Measurement
- Syed Naeem Ahmed – Physics & Engineering of Radiation Detection
Course code: FRENCH COURSE (FLE) Semester 1

to:
Course Roselyne Debrick

director:
Course
teachers:
Period:
Language of French
tuition:
Course Objectives:
Provide basic knowledge of the French language.

Students will be in different groups following their initial knowledge.
Contents:

Particles, Nuclei and Universe (Pnu)

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Course code: PARTICLES, NUCLEI AND UNIVERSE (PNU) Semester 1

Contributes M1 General Physics

Course Elias Khan (Institut de Physique Nucléaire)

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Chapter 1: Particles and symmetries (GM)

Chapter 2: Hadron synthesis (GM)

Chapter 3: The primordial Universe (LV)

Chapter 4: The nucleus, a unique manybody system (EK)

Chapter 6: Star formation and evolution (LV)

On completion of the course students should be able to:

Course code: SOLID STATE PHYSICS (SSP) Semester 1

Contributes M1 General Physics

Course Philippe Mendels

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Chapter 1: Basic model of metals: the free electron gas

On completion of the course students should be able to:

Course code: ATOMS, MOLECULES and OPTICS (AMO) Semester 1

Course Nicolas Dubreuil, Nouari Kebaili, Marc Hanna

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Chapter 2: Laser Physics

Chapter 3: Nonlinear optics

On completion of the course students should be able to:

Course code: ADVANCED STATISTICAL and QUANTUM MECHANICS Semester 2

Course director: Emmanuel Trizac

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Chapter 1: Phase transitions and critical phenomena : qualitative approaches

Chapter 2: Going quantitative

Chapter 3: Analytical Mechanics

On completion of the course students should be:

Course code: NUCLEAR and PARTICLE PHYSICS (NP) Semester 2

Course director: Grégory Moreau

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Chapter 1: Description of the atomic nucleus

Chapter 2: Experimental studies of the atomic nucleus

Chapter 3: Applications of nuclear physics (selected topics)

Chapter 4: Fermionic Particles

Chapter 5: The Higgs Mechanism

Chapter 6: Experimental tests of the Standard Model

On completion of the course students should be able to:

Course code: ASTROPHYSICS and ASTROPARTICLES (AA) Semester 2

Course director: Jonathan Biteau

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Chapter 2: Acceleration processes

Chapter 3: Radiation processes - leptonic

Chapter 4: Radiation processes - hadronic

Chapter 5: Large-scale structures, magnetic fields and observation methods

Chapter 6: Cosmic-ray propagation

Chapter 7: The interstellar medium

Chapter 8: Stellar structure and evolution

Chapter 9: Introduction to galaxies and our Galaxy

Chapter 10: Planetary systems and extra-solar planets

Course code: SOFT MATTER (SM) Semester 1

Course Giuseppe Foffi, Brigitte Pansu

Course prerequisites and corequisites:

Course PLASMA PHYSICS and APPLICATIONS (PPA) Semester 1

Course Sebastien Galtier, Jean-Marcel Rax

Chapter 1: Basic plasma physics

On completion of the course students should be able to:

F.F. Chen, Introduction to plasma physics, Plenum, 1974;

P.A. Davidson, An introduction to MHD, Cambridge, 2001;

J.M. Rax, Physique des plasmas, Dunod, 2005;

S. Galtier, Magnétohydrodynamique, Vuibert, 2013.

Course PHYSICS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS (SCI) Semester 2