Quantum physics II

Summary

The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with the concepts, methods and consequences of quantum physics.

Content

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
• Interpret a basic quantum circuit

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

Resources

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/PHYS-314