Entry requirements

120 credits with Quantum Physics or an equivalent introductory course in quantum physics/mechanics, Linear Algebra and Multidimensional Analysis.

Learning outcomes

After completed course, the student should master the formalism and methods of quantum mechanics in order to

• perform theoretical studies and calculations with applications on atomic and subatomic phenomena.
• evaluate experimental results in terms of quantum mechanics
• account for its potential applications in emerging technologies

Content

Advanced study in quantum mechanics based on the Dirac formalism with bra and ket vectors, operators and observables. Position and momentum space representations. Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures. The harmonic oscillator with creation and annihilation operators. Operators for translation, time evolution and rotation. Quantisation and addition of angular momenta. Tensor operators. Symmetries and gauge transformations.

Time-independent and time-dependent perturbation theory. Basic scattering theory. Applications in nuclear and particle physics, and in neutron and synchrotron light scattering and its importance for modern materials analysis. Basic interpretation of quantum mechanics with its experimental verification via Bell's inequality and violation against Einstein's local realism and theories with hidden variables. Entangled states. Quantum technology now and in the the future, quantum information and quantum optics (qubits, quantum computers and algorithms).

Laboratory exercises / miniprojects within for example:

1. Spectroscopy on molecules (for example with ESCA).

2. Simulation and graphical visualisation with MATLAB of scattering processes.

3. Quantum technology.

4. Numerical solution of atomic radial wave functions with MATLAB.

Instruction

Lectures and classes. Guest lectures on quantum mechanics in emerging technologies.

Lab exercises in connection to above theoretical parts.

Assessment

Written exam at end of course with theory and calculation problems. To pass the course also requires accepted laboratory exercises / projects.