A striking success of quantum mechanics is the fact that, in contrast to the classical theory, it explains the stability of matter, as we observe it in everyday life. The rigorous verification of this property starting from the basic assumptions of quantum mechanics required deep analytic tools and represented a major achievement in mathematical physics. The goal of this class is to present a proof of stability of matter and to discuss some related mathematical questions.
We will start by reviewing the main postulates of quantum mechanics, focusing in particular on many-body theory.
We will then explain the problem of stability and we will introduce some important tools that are needed for its proof.
Afterwards, we will present some important approximation of the quantum theory of atoms and molecules, focusing
in particular on Thomas-Fermi theory and, if time permits, on Hartree- Fock theory.
Notes for videos:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from Oct. 26 classes do not take place on campus.
Students registered to the class will receive instead links to videos of recorded lectures. The notes of the video lectures are available here: