Quantum physics II
Summary
The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with the concepts, methods and consequences of quantum physics.
Content
- A recap of basic quantum mechanics
- Elements of theory for multi-electron atoms and molecules
- No-go theorems to understand the difference between classical and quantum physics
- Mixed states, reduced states, measurement and decoherence
- Identical particles: fermions and bosons
- Time-independent perturbation theory
- Time-dependent perturbation theory
- Variational principle
- Symmetries and conservation laws in quantum mechanics
- Elements of group representation theory and its application to quantum mechanics
Keywords
Quantum mechanics, Schrödinger equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, wave function, harmonic oscillator, spin, angular momentum, perturbation theory, quantum entanglement, Bell's theorem, identical particles, second quantization, density operator, density matrix, quantum information, Hartree-Fock.
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
INDICATIVE PREREQUISITE COURSES Quantum Physics I
Basic undergraduate physics and mathematics courses
Important concepts to start the course
Solid and practical knowledge of analysis and linear algebra (covered in basic mathematics courses) is required.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Explain the difference between a pure state and a mixed state
- Compute the reduced density matrix on a subsystem of a state
- Argue against local realism
- Compute physical quantities using time-independent perturbation theory.
- Compute physical quantities using time-dependent perturbation theory.
- Explain the difference between fermions and bosons
- Infer conservation of physical quantities from the properties of invariance
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercise classes.
Expected student activities
Attendance in class. Solving exercise sets during exercise hours. Regularly reviewing lecture notes at home.
Assessment methods
Final written exam
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum physics II
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum physics II
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Quantum physics II
- Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional