Universität Wien

520025 VO Foundations: Quantum Mechanics to Quantum Field Theory and Quantum Gravity (2025S)

6.00 ECTS (4.00 SWS), SPL 52 - Doktoratsstudium Physik
Moodle
Mo 12.05. 09:00-10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien

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Details

Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 03.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 05.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 10.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 17.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 19.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 24.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 26.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 31.03. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 02.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 07.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 09.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 28.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 30.04. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 05.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 07.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 14.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 19.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 21.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Monday 26.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien
  • Wednesday 28.05. 09:00 - 10:30 Christian-Doppler-Hörsaal, Boltzmanngasse 5, 3. Stk., 1090 Wien

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

After a hundred years, the mathematical formalism used to describing quantum theory is showing its age. Hastily assembled as a semblance of hamiltonian classical mechanics and prematurely canonized, it has tied quantum theory to a pre-relativistic understanding of spacetime, hindering rather than helping its anticipated union with general relativity. These lectures are aimed at advanced students and researchers wishing to fa-
miliarize themselves with a modern perspective on the foundations of quantum theory, compatible from the outset with general covariance. The central concept is the positive formalism. This brings brings together the operationalism of the Viennese school with the locality and covariance of recent functorial approaches to quantum field theory, all the while putting the original conceptual insights of Heisenberg and Bohr at the center.
While the standard formulation of quantum theory is recovered from the positive formalism in the non-relativistic setting, many interesting scenarios where this is not the case are developed, with applications in quantum information, quantum field theory and quantum gravity.

Assessment and permitted materials

The grade is based on a final oral exam.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Quantum Mechanics, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Preferably also: Foundations of Quantum Theory, Quantum Field Theory, Classical Field Theory, Functional Analysis

Examination topics

Topics from the content of the entire lecture.

Reading list

The content of the lecture is mostly based on recent research articles. Details will be provided during the lectures. At times relevant textbooks are also recommended.

Association in the course directory

Doktorat Physik

Last modified: Mo 03.03.2025 17:07