Course Overview

Following "Statistical Physics I, II", the fundamental principles and various statistical ensembles in Statistical Mechanics are applied to some important phenomena encountered in physics, namely phase transition and Landau phenomenological theory, semiconductor statistics, and quasi-Fermi potentials. A brief introduction to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, namely, kinetic theory of ideal gas, linear response, and Boltzmann transport theory, is also explained.

Learning Achievement

1. The students are able to explain the stability condition of thermodynamic systems and the relation with phase transition among gas, liquid, and solid phases.
2. The students are able to derive the quantum corrections of an ideal gas from the quantum mechanical analyses.
3. The students are able to define and use the quasi-Fermi potential in semiconductor structures under non-equilibrium conditions.
4. The students are able to explain the diffusion processes from both microscopic and macroscopic viewpoints.
5. The students are able to calculate electric conductivity in metals from the Boltzmann transport equation.

Competence

Related to 2. Understanding ability of physical phenomena.

Course prerequisites

Statistical Mechanics I & II
Intro. to Single-Variable Calculus I & II, Advanced Calculus, Linear Algebra I & II, Probability and Statistics, Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics

Grading Philosophy

Homework & Class performance 30 %
Final 70%

Course schedule

Course type

Lectures

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Sano Nobuyuki

Other information

Lecture is conducted in English. * You may discuss with other students for preparing the written homework. Yet, just “a copy-and-paste” will not be accepted. No late homework will be accepted.
* All exams are closed book for in-class lecture. In the case of hybrid lecture, all exams are open book.

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