Bachelor 2

Prerequisites: PHY101, PHY104, PHY105, PHY202
Recommended previous courses: PHY103, PHY106, PHY107, PHY201

Quantum physics is the theoretical framework for the description of nature at the atomic length scale and below. According to our present knowledge, it encompasses the most fundamental physical theory, and is the basis for everyday applications like semi-conductor electrons, lasers, medical imaging to name only a few. In PHY205, students discover quantum physics through the formalism of Schrödinger’s wave mechanics, and learn to describe simple, non-relativistic quantum phenomena, mainly in one dimension, by applying mathematics of classical waves to which they have become familiar. Subsequently, they are introduced to the quantum-mechanical formalism of which the central notion is the quantum state. Students also become familiar with the underlying mathematical structures, Hilbert spaces and Hermitian operators, and discover the quantum description of known classical systems and concepts such as free motion, the harmonic oscillator and angular momentum. The course also allows students to explore purely quantum phenomena that have no classical counterpart, such as the electron spin, and a brief overview on quantum communication may be provided. Throughout the course, the abstract theory will be illustrated by historic experimental evidence and modern applications whenever appropriate.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the conceptual difference between classical and quantum behavior, and solve simple one- or two-dimensional problems of quantum mechanics in the framework of wave mechanics. Furthermore, they will be able to wield the abstract formalism of
quantum states in Hilbert spaces, and to apply it on simple quantum systems.

Quantum physics is the theoretical framework for the description of nature at the atomic length scale and below. According to our present knowledge, it encompasses the most fundamental physical theory, and is the basis for everyday applications like semi-conductor electrons, lasers, medical imaging to name only a few. In PHY 205, students discover quantum physics through the formalism of Schrödinger’s wave mechanics, and learn to describe simple, non-relativistic quantum phenomena, mainly in one dimension, by applying mathematics of classical waves to which they have become familiar. Subsequently, they are introduced to the quantum-mechanical formalism of which the central notion is the quantum state. Students also become familiar with the underlying mathematical structures, Hilbert spaces and Hermitian operators, and discover the quantum description of known classical systems and concepts such as free motion, the harmonic oscillator and angular momentum. The course also allows students to explore purely quantum phenomena that have no classical counterpart, such as the electron spin, and a brief overview on quantum communication may be provided. Throughout the course, the abstract theory will be illustrated by historic experimental evidence and modern applications whenever appropriate.

 Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the conceptual difference between classical and quantum behavior, and solve simple one- or two-dimensional problems of quantum mechanics in the framework of wave mechanics. Furthermore, they will be able to wield the abstract formalism of quantum states in Hilbert spaces, and to apply it on simple quantum systems.

Recommended previous course: PHY202

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (laser) holds a unique place in the heart of physicists. Lasers are at the same time a spectacular manifestation of a quantum phenomenon, a powerful and versatile tool ranging from industrial applications (laser processing, telemetry…) to fundamental research (spectroscopy, cold atoms…) and a remarkable workbench to acquire a better understanding of key concepts in physics.

PHY 208 is an introduction to lightmatter interactions through the intricate relationship between atoms and lasers. Importantly, this course will build on experimental situations, and introduce models with increasing complexity to explain the observed results. As the basic component of a laser is a source of light, the course will start with basic spectroscopy, and several atomic models will be considered (Bohr model, Einstein coefficients, Schrodinger model, etc.). The emission of continuous laser light by such atoms will be described from both a classical (effective medium) and semiclassical (population inversion) perspective. The mirror will then be turned back on the atoms, and several applications of laser light revealing the behavior of atoms will be discussed (Light, Stark and Zeeman shift, Rabi oscillations etc.). Finally, some practical perspectives on advanced laser technologies and applications will be given.

This course will not add many new physical concepts, but rather show how results obtained in previous courses (especially in optics, classical and quantum mechanics) can be used. Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired key understandings concerning the bilateral interactions between laser devices and atoms. They will have understood the circumstances under which the emission of useful coherent light can be produced, and also the information that such light can provide when analyzing atomic systems. They will also be able to identify the relevance, necessity, and limitations that classical and quantum models display when analyzing problems in this field. They will also gain familiarity with some laser device technologies.

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (laser) holds a unique place in the heart of physicists. Lasers are at the same time a spectacular manifestation of a quantum phenomenon, a powerful and versatile tool ranging from industrial applications (laser processing, telemetry...) to fundamental research (spectroscopy, cold atoms,...) and a remarkable workbench to acquire a better understanding of key concepts in physics.

 PHY208 is an introduction to light-matter interactions through the intricate relationship between atoms and lasers. Importantly, this course will build on experimental situations, and introduce models with increasing complexity to explain the observed results. As the basic component of a laser is a source of light, the course will start with basic spectroscopy, and several atomic models will be considered (Bohr model, Einstein coefficients, Schrodinger model, etc.). The emission of continuous laser light by such atoms will be described from both a classical (effective medium) and semi-classical (population inversion) perspective. The mirror will then be turned back on the atoms, and several applications of laser light revealing the behavior of atoms will be discussed (Light, Stark and Zeeman shift, Rabi oscillations etc.). Finally, some practical perspectives on advanced laser technologies and applications will be given.

 This course will not add many new physical concepts, but rather show how results obtained in previous courses (especially in optics, classical and quantum mechanics) can be used. Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired key understandings concerning the bilateral interactions between laser devices and atoms. They will have understood the circumstances under which the emission of useful coherent light can be produced, and also the information that such light can provide when analyzing atomic systems. They will also be able to identify the relevance, necessity, and limitations that classical and quantum models display when analyzing problems in this field. They will also gain familiarity with some laser device technologies.