Quantum Physics (VS1) (U02590)

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

In this course we study practical applications of quantum mechanics. After a review of some of the basic ideas of quantum mechanics, we develop time-independent perturbation theory and consider its extension to degenerate systems. We then consider applications to hydrogen-like atoms and multi-electron atoms. 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 a brief guided tour of hidden variable theories and Bell's inequalities.

Entry Requirements

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U01422

? Pre-requisites : Year 3 Physics, including Physical Mathematics, or equivalent.

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

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	09:50	KB
Lecture	Thursday	09:00	09:50	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.

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)apply the Spin-Statistics Theorem to 2-electron wavefunctions and discuss the ground state and excited states of Helium
8)explain the Rayleigh-Ritz variational method and demonstrate its use in obtaining energy bounds for atomic and molecular systems
9)understand the concept of a transition probability and apply perturbation theory to time-dependent problems
10)discuss the interaction of radiation with quantum systems and explain the concept of selection rules
11)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