FY803: Quantum physics (10 ECTS)

STADS: 07002501

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the autumn semester.
1st and 2nd quarter.

Teacher responsible
Email: jbp@ifk.sdu.dk

Timetable
Show entire timetable
Show personal time table for this course.

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
Bachelor's degree in physics or equivalent degree.

Course introduction
To obtain insight into the mathematical structure of quantum mechanics and develop an ability to perform basic calculations related to applications in physics and chemistry.

Expected learning outcome
At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Operate fluently within the Hilbert space description of quantum mechanics, including basis transformations, commutator algebra, and time evolution.
• apply symmetries to simplify calculations and understand the connection to conservation laws.
• Couple angular moments and use irreducible tensor operators
• Have obtained operational skills in applications of time dependent and stationary perturbation calculations.

Subject overview
Block 1: Linear vector spaces, self-adjoint and unitary operators, commutators and uncertainty relations. The harmonic oscillator, quantum dynamics of spin ½ systems, the rotation group and its irreducible representations.

Block 2: Addition of angular moments, tensor operators, Wigner-Eckart theorem.
Perturbation theory, selection rules, Fermi golden rule, and selected applications to physical and chemical problems.

Literature

• E. Merzbacher: Quantum Mechanics, 3. ed. Wiley.

Syllabus
See syllabus.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
Part 1 is evaluated by:
(a) a report (1 or 2 students, app. 15 pages) in which the students describe a chosen system, e.g. time development of spin ½ systems, and illustrate their investigations with their own calculations.
(b) a short oral exam (15 minutes). The report is the starting point. 7-point scale and internal evaluation. The grade will account for 40 % of the total grade.

Part 2 is evaluated by:
(a) 4 hours written exam. The assignments will be about known examples from the course. No aids other than the text book. 7-point marking scale, external marking. The grade will account for 60 % of the total grade.

The 2 exams must be passed with at least 02 as the total grade. If this is not accomplished, the student must take a reexam in the part(s) which is not passed. The grade -3 or “absent” must not show in any of the part exams.

Reexam after 4th quarter.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

Forelæsninger, antal timer 48.
Eksaminatorietimer/opgaveregning, antal timer 36.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English, if international students participate. Otherwise the course is taught in Danish.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.