PHY205 - Introduction to Quantum Physics (2018-2019)

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.