- Department: Physics
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Ignacio Wilson-Rae
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
- See module specification for other years: 2021-22
Key further topics in quantum mechanics that bridge the gap between earlier courses and physics research
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
To enrol on this module, students will need to have taken Quantum Mechanics courses in Stages 1-3 Physics, or the equivalent
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
The overall aim of the module is to develop in students a knowledge of key advanced topics in quantum mechanics that bridge the gap between earlier courses and physics research. Specifically:
To study the quantum theories of angular momentum and scattering, and the role of symmetries and the algebraic approach in quantum mechanics.
Comprehensive lecture notes should be taken down from the blackboard during lectures. Supplementary notes will be provided and made available through the VLE.
Syllabus
Symmetries and angular momentum: Symmetries and rotations • Angular momentum multiplets (Ladder operators) • Addition of angular momenta and selection rules including Parity (Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and the Wigner- Eckart theorem).
Potential scattering: Lippmann-Schwinger equation, scattering amplitudes and the Born approximation • Partial waves, phase shifts and resonances.
Quantum states of the harmonic oscillator: Creation and annihilation operators • Coherent states and squeezed states.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) Further Quantum Mechanics exam |
8 hours | 100 |
None
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) Further Quantum Mechanics exam |
8 hours | 100 |
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
Weinberg S: Lectures on quantum mechanics (Cambridge, 2013)
Sakurai J J: Modern quantum mechanics (Addison Wesley, 1994)
Messiah A: Quantum Mechanics Volume II (Dover, 1999)
Landau L D and Lifshitz E M: Quantum Mechanics (Non-relativistic Theory) (Butterworth-Heinemann, 1977)