An Introduction to 2D CFT for Statistical Physics and Condensed Matter Students - Lecture 1

Learn the fundamentals of two-dimensional conformal field theory (2D CFT) specifically tailored for students in statistical physics and condensed matter physics in this comprehensive lecture delivered by Jérôme Dubail at the Galileo Galilei Institute. Explore the mathematical foundations and physical principles underlying 2D CFT, understanding how conformal symmetry emerges in critical systems and its applications to phase transitions in statistical mechanics. Discover the connection between conformal invariance and scale invariance in two-dimensional systems, and examine how these concepts apply to real condensed matter phenomena. Gain insight into the operator product expansion, primary fields, and the central charge while building intuition for how 2D CFT serves as a powerful theoretical framework for understanding critical behavior in many-body systems. Master the essential tools and techniques that make 2D CFT an indispensable part of modern theoretical physics, with particular emphasis on applications relevant to statistical physics and condensed matter research.