Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
Summary
This course introduces quantum mechanics to students who are interested in pursuing quantum science and technology but have not gone through the standard bachelor physics curriculum. The students will develop quantum intuition by working out numerical examples based on qubits and oscillator systems.
Content
1. Review of classical physics in the context of quantum phenomena
Planetary motion and atoms, radiation and quantization, stochastic processes and interference.
2. Mathematical language of quantum mechanics
Quantum states, operators, matrices, uncertainty, and time-evolution.
3. Basic quantum systems
Particle-in-a-box, harmonic oscillator, anharmonic oscillator, tunneling.
A quick look into stationary perturbation theory.
4. Coupled quantum systems
Entanglement, density matrix, measurement, and decoherence.
A quick look into Fermi's golden rule.
5. Exploring the quantum
Cavity quantum electrodynamics, quantum control, quantum non-demolishing measurements
6. Introduction to quantum computing
(time permitting)
Keywords
Quantum physics
Quantum information
Qubit
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
Calculus, Linear algebra, Differential equations
Recommended courses
Complex calculus, Mechanics, Electromagnetism
Important concepts to start the course
Complex numbers
Matrices and linear algebra
Familiarity with Python
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Solve basic problems in quantum mechanics
- Manage self-study of modern quantum science
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercises
Expected student activities
Attend lectures and exercise sessions, do the homework
Assessment methods
Oral exam
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
| Forum | Yes |
Resources
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
No
Bibliography
1) "Feynman's lectures on physics", vol III, selected chapters.
Available online at https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/III_toc.html
2) "Quantum mechanics: the theoretical minimum" by Lenny Susskind.
Video lectures based on this book are available online at https://theoreticalminimum.com/courses/quantum-mechanics/2012/winter/lecture-1
3) "An Introduction to Quantum Computing" by Kay, Laflamme, and Mosca (introductory chapters).
Online version available at https://batistalab.com/classes/v572/Mosca.pdf
4) "Exploring the Quantum" by Haroche & Raymond. This book is for advanced students who are interested in learning more material
Ressources en bibliothèque
- The Feynman Lectures on Physics / Feynman
- An Introduction to Quantum Computing / Kay, Laflamme & Mosca
- Quantum mechanics: the theoretical minimum / Susskind
- Exploring the Quantum / Haroche & Raimond
Références suggérées par la bibliothèque
- An Introduction to Quantum Computing / Kay, Laflamme & Mosca
- Quantum mechanics: the theoretical minimum / Susskind
- The Feynman Lectures on Physics / Feynman
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Oral (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
- Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional