Quantum mechanics for non-physicists

PHYS-344 / 5 crédits

Enseignant: Manucharyan Vladimir

Langue: Anglais

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

Références suggérées par la bibliothèque

Moodle Link

Dans les plans d'études

  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: obligatoire
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: obligatoire
  • Semestre: Automne
  • Forme de l'examen: Oral (session d'hiver)
  • Matière examinée: Quantum mechanics for non-physicists
  • Cours: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Exercices: 2 Heure(s) hebdo x 14 semaines
  • Type: optionnel

Semaine de référence

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