After successful completion of the course, students are able to describe topological effects, to apply methods of differential geometry to topological models and to get from simple experiments with solitons and 4pi rotations an intuitiv understanding of topological properties.
Sine-Gordon model
Topology in electrodynamics: Aharonov-Bohm effect, Dirac monopoles
Geometrical phase
Wu-Yang monopoles, 't Hooft-Polyakov monopoles
Topological objects in QCD: instantons, vortices, monopoles
Solitons in 3+1 dimensions: Skyrmions, topological fermions
Differential geometry, homotopy
lecture, based on the corresponding script, during which the models are explained. Simple experiments complement the theoretical explanations. Intensive discussion with students is desirable.
oral exam at the end of the term or further along the line on appointment. Estimated duration: 30 minutes
Not necessary
basic knowledge of mathematics
