Available student project - Introduction to quantum integrable systems
Research fields
- Theoretical Physics
Project details
Quantum integrable systems play a very important role in many fields of theoretical physics like quantum field theory, statistical mechanics, string theory, etc. This project aims to study their basic properties. One-dimensional Heisenberg model of interacting spins is one of the basic nontrivial examples of such systems. Despite the seeming simplicity it reveals a highly nontrivial mathematical structure which eventially led to a discovery of quantum groups. This mathematical structure reveals itself in terms of a special master equation for structural constants of the theory, the Yang-Baxter equation. A study of solutions of this equation led to major breakthroughs in many areas of physics and mathematics including knot theory, string theory, condensed matter physics, etc.
Required background
PHYS2013, PHYS3001, MATH3351
Project suitability
- 3rd year special project
- PhB (2nd or 3rd year)
- Honours project
- Vacation scholar
Contact supervisor
Updated: 15 May 2024/ Responsible Officer: Director, RSPE/ Page Contact: Physics Webmaster