PH4984 Advanced Quantum Physics

Quantum mechanics in the Dirac format. Angular momentum, spin, and spin resonance. Additional topics may include group theoretical applications to selection rules and crystal fields, variational principles, self-consistent fields in the many-electron atom, scattering theory, and polyatomic molecules.

Prerequisite

PH3152 and PH4656

Lecture Hours

Lab Hours

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, student will:

Apply principles and techniques of linear algebra to problems in quantum mechanics.
“Convert” problems in classical mechanics to quantum mechanics, using the postulates of quantum mechanics.
Understand the development of the wave function connected to the hydrogen atom and other 3-dimensional problems, including the connection to “old” (Bohr) theory.
Understand the algebra of angular momentum, spin, and the addition of angular momentum.
Understand the Stern-Gerlach experiment, including the “double” and “triple” versions of the experiment.
Understand how to solve both time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory and connect to the Stark and Zeeman effects.
Understand the interaction of light with a two-level atomic system.
Understand other selected topics that may include:
- Second Quantization
- Entanglement
- Electromagnetically induced transparency, light slowing and storage, and quantum memories
- Saturated absorption