Department of Physics, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
PH40084 Advanced quantum theory |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PH30025 and take PH30030 |
|
Aims: The aim of this unit is to increase the breadth and depth of students' knowledge and understanding of quantum physics, in both fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics and modern applications of quantum theory.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topics listed below; * solve problems in these areas. Skills: Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A. Content: The content of the unit will be drawn from the following topics. It is anticipated that the final topic will be included every year, as well as two of the first three topics. Relativistic quantum mechanics: Introduction to relativistic quantum theory, Klein-Gordon equation. Dirac equation; spinors, free-particle solutions, inclusion of electromagnetic potentials. Motion in a central field; spin angular momentum, spin-orbit coupling. Symmetry in quantum mechanics: Matrix formulation of quantum mechanics. Symmetry and constants of the motion. Translational and rotational symmetry. Space inversion and time reversal symmetries. Degeneracies, effects of perturbations. Quantum information: Meaning and interpretation of quantum mechanics. Entanglement, EPR experiment, Bell's inequalities. Quantum teleportation, quantum computing. Quantum theory of solids: Many-electron Schrodinger equation. Hartree and Hartree-Fock approximations. Density functional theory, Kohn-Sham equations. Modern methods for calculating electronic states in materials and their applications. |