Module Details |
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
Title | ADVANCED QUANTUM PHYSICS | ||
Code | PHYS480 | ||
Coordinator |
Professor U Klein Physics Uta.Klein@liverpool.ac.uk |
||
Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
Session 2021-22 | Level 7 FHEQ | First Semester | 15 |
Aims |
|
To build on Y3 module on Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics (PHYS203) with the intention of providing breadth and depth in the understanding of the commonly used aspects of Quantum mechanics. To develop an understanding of the ideas of perturbation theory for complex quantum systems and of Fermi's Golden Rule. To develop an understanding of the techniques used to describe the scattering of particles. To demonstrate creation and annihilation operators using the harmonic oscillator as an example. To develop skills which enable numerical calculation of real physical quantum problem. To encourage enquiry into the philosophy of quantum theory including its explanation of classical mechanics. |
Learning Outcomes |
|
(LO1) At the end of the module the student should have: Understanding of advanced quantum mechanical calculations (operators in matrix form, Dirac notation, etc.). Understanding of perturbation techniques. Understanding of transition and other matrix elements. Understanding of phase space factors. Understanding of partial wave techniques. Understanding of basic cross section calculations |
|
(LO2) Understanding of examples of state-of-the art quantum physics experiments. |
|
(LO3) Understanding of the implications of quantum physics in our daily lives |
|
(S1) Problem solving skills |
|
(S2) Analytic skills applied to quantum systems. |
|
(S3) Communicating advanced physics problems. |
Syllabus |
|
General level of treatment as found in a variety of modern advanced quantum physics textbooks, e.g. from Mandl; Binney; Sakurai and others. Quantum problem workshops will be organised to discuss in detail quantum calculation tasks and contemporary experiments. Operator formalism and Dirac notation. Bound state perturbation theory for non-degenerate and degenerate systems. Example solutions using variational principle. Time dependent Schrodinger equation. Time dependent perturbation theory, Fermi's Golden Rule. Emission and absorption of radiation, phase space. Scattering theory - time dependent approach; potential scattering, Born approximation, scattering by screened Coulomb potential, electron-atom scattering. Partial waves, phase shifts. Harmonic Oscillator solved using creation and annihilation operators. Specialised contemporary topics, e.g. Bell's inequality (qubits) etc. Discussion of quantum philosophy, quantum mechanics contains classical me
chanics. |
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
|
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture |
Teaching Schedule |
Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
Study Hours |
32 |
6 |
38 | ||||
Timetable (if known) | |||||||
Private Study | 112 | ||||||
TOTAL HOURS | 150 |
Assessment |
||||||
EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
2.5 hours exam at the end of S1 | 2.5 hours | 80 | ||||
CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
Assignment Two assignments at 10% each | 20 |
Recommended Texts |
|
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. |