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Advanced Quantum Mechanics - PHY00019M

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  • Department: Physics
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Aires Ferreira
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

Key advanced topics in quantum mechanics that bridge the gap between earlier courses and physics research

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

To enrol on this module, students will need to have taken Quantum Mechanics courses in Stages 1-3 Physics, or the equivalent

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

The overall aim of the module is to develop in students a knowledge of key advanced topics in quantum mechanics that bridge the gap between earlier courses and physics research. Specifically:

To study the consequences of the time-dependence of the wavefunction in quantum mechanics, the adiabatic evolution of quantum states and the emergence of the Berry phase, the quantum mechanics of many-particle systems, and second quantisation.

 

Module learning outcomes

  • ·         Calculate the time-dependence of a wavefunction, and its consequences for observables.
  • ·         Derive and apply the results of time-dependent perturbation theory up to first order.
  • ·         Derive and apply Fermi's golden rule, and explain the relevance of selection rules for atomic transitions and opto-electronic phenomena in solids.
  • ·         Explain the origin of the Berry phase using simple calculations of the types given in lectures.
  • ·         Explain and apply the laws of quantum mechanics for many-particle systems and the main techniques used to study their implications.
  • ·         Derive the main results of second quantisation.
  • ·         Describe, and apply to unseen problems, all the topics in the syllabus.

Comprehensive lecture notes should be taken down from the slides during the video lectures, and will be supplemented by summary notes and handouts distributed via PDF format. These documents, together with interactive applets and the record of problems set, lecture rescheduling and similar information, will be made available through the VLE.

Module content

Syllabus

Operator methods, the classical limit, and symmetries: Brief review of Dirac notation; state vector; observables; Ehrenfest theorem; the classical limit. Introduction to symmetries.

Time-dependence: Brief review of Schrödinger equation; stationary states; time-evolution of general wavefunctions. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Fermi's golden rule. Dyson series. Introduction to Feynman diagrams.

Geometrical phase and topology: Aharonov–Bohm effect of charge particles; adiabatic cyclic evolution and Berry phase of quantum systems; monopoles of Berry curvature. Introduction to topological insulators and Weyl-Dirac semi-metals in 2 and 3 dimensions.

Many-particle systems and second quantisation: Identical particles and exchange symmetry, fermions and bosons, the Pauli Principle; use of Slater determinants. Variational principle for many-electron systems; the Hartree and Hartree-Fock approximations. Creation, annihilation and number operators; their use for many- particle systems; anti-commutation relations; field operators; Heisenberg picture. Introduction to many-body perturbation theory.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Advanced Quantum Mechanics Exam		 8 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Advanced Quantum Mechanics Exam		 8 hours 100

Module feedback

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.

Indicative reading

Griffiths, DJ, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (CUP)

Rae, AIM, Quantum Mechanics (Taylor and Francis)

Sakurai, JJ.: Advanced Quantum Mechanics (Addison-Wesley)

Ballentine, LE: Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development (World Scientific)

Weinberg S: Lectures on Quantum Mechanics (CUP)

Bernevig, BA & Hughes, TL: Topological Insulators and Topological Superconductors (PUP)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.