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PH40084: Advanced quantum theory

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2013/4
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX 100%
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take PH30030
Further information on descriptions Description: 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:
* explain in detail the salient differences between classical physics and quantum physics;
* demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the realm of quantum optics and its major applications and frontline research;
* give a mathematical description of the quantum principles of vector states, Hilbert space and quantum interference;
* use and apply Dirac formalism to light-matter optical phenomena;
* explain optical absorption and refraction using a quantum framework;
* outline and critically assess the following major applications of coherent light-matter interactions; Rabi oscillations, Ramsey interference, electromagnetically induced transparency and laser cooling;
* discuss the principles of quantum cryptography and computing.

Skills:
Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A.

Content:
Relativistic quantum mechanics (10 hours): Inertia principle and invariance under Lorentz transformation; Klein-Gordon equation; Dirac equation, Dirac sea, Lamb shift; Lorentz transformation of spinors; Plane wave spinors; Non-relativistic limit of the Dirac equation: origin of the spin and spin-orbit coupling; Atomic fine structure.
Landau quantisation (4 hours): Orbital quantisation in high magnetic fields; magneto-oscillatory effects, Shubnikov de Haas effect, de Haas-van Halfèn effect; Quantum Hall effect.
Spin in external fields (4 hours): Spin 1/2 in a magnetic field: interferences of spin waves: 4p spin periodicity, ESR, NMR, Rabi oscillations; Spin in an electric field: Rashba coupling, spin transistor, Aharonov-Casher effect.
Principles of quantum mechanics (4 hours): State vector; 'Bra's and 'Ket's; Bohr complementarity principle; EPR paradox; Quantum entanglement, Bell's inequalities; Quantum information; Density matrix.
Quantum optics (10 hours): Wave-particle duality of the photon; Classical light-matter interaction; Quantum light-matter interaction; Electromagnetically induced transparency; Optomechanical effects, optical tweezers, atomic traps, Bose-Einstein condensates.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH40084 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys Physics (Full-time) - Year 4
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys Physics with Research Placement (Full-time) - Year 4
  • USPH-AAM03 : MPhys Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Mathematics and Physics (Full-time) - Year 4

PH40084 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 5
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 5

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2013/4 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2014/15 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2013/14.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.