PHY205 - Introduction to Quantum Physics (2022-2023)

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.