Quantum Physics (U01422)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-4-QuantPh

In this course we study practical applications of quantum mechanics. We begin with a review of the basic ideas of quantum mechanics and give an elementary introduction to the Hilbert-space formulation. We then develop time-independent perturbation theory and consider its extension to degenerate systems. We derive the fine structure of Hydrogen-like atoms as an example. The Rayleigh-Ritz variational method is introduced and applied to simple atomic and molecular systems. We then study time-dependent perturbation theory, obtain Fermi's Golden Rule, and look at radiative transitions and selection rules. Subsequently we study scattering in the Born Approximation. We end the course with an introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics via the Klein-Gordon and Dirac Equations.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 40 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q, including Physical Mathematics (PHY-3-PhMath) or equivalent.

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Quantum Physics (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
21/09/2006	10:00	11:00	Lecture Theatre 6301, JCMB	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	10:00	10:50	KB
Lecture	Thursday	10:00	10:50	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, Wednesdays 9:00-11:00, JCMB 3218 and 3317 from Week 2.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course it is intended that a
student will be able to:
1)state and explain the basic postulates of quantum mechanics
2)illustrate the ideas of compatible and incompatible observables through the properties of angular momentum and spin operators
3)define and apply matrix representations of spin operators
4)state the rules for addition of angular momenta, define the uncoupled and coupled representations and explain the concept of good quantum numbers
5)derive the effects of a time-independent perturbation on the energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a quantum system and apply the results to a range of physical problems
6)discuss the fine structure of Hydrogen
7)explain the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method and demonstrate its use in obtaining energy bounds for atomic and molecular systems
8)understand the concept of a transition probability and apply perturbation theory to time-dependent problems
9)discuss the interaction of radiation with quantum systems and explain the concept of selection rules
10)describe two-body scattering in terms of differential and total cross-sections, explain the Born approximation and compute lowest-order cross-sections for simple central potentials
11)derive the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations and explain some elementary properties of their solutions.