Studying at York
Further Quantum Mechanics - PHY00042M
- Department: Physics
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Ignacio Wilson-Rae
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
- See module specification for other years: 2020-21
Module summary
Key further 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 cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Spring 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 quantum theories of angular momentum and scattering, and the role of symmetries and the algebraic approach in quantum mechanics.
Module learning outcomes
- Illustrate the relation between symmetries and conservation laws.
- Deduce and apply the general theory of angular momentum.
- Deduce and apply the Born approximation and the method of partial waves in potential scattering theory.
- Apply creation and annihilation operators of the harmonic oscillator.
- Construct solutions to complex unseen problems in all of the aforementioned topics.
Comprehensive lecture notes should be taken down from the blackboard during lectures. Supplementary notes will be provided and made available through the VLE.
Module content
Syllabus
Symmetries and angular momentum: Symmetries and rotations • Angular momentum multiplets (Ladder operators) • Addition of angular momenta and selection rules including Parity (Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and the Wigner- Eckart theorem).
Potential scattering: Lippmann-Schwinger equation, scattering amplitudes and the Born approximation • Partial waves, phase shifts and resonances.
Quantum states of the harmonic oscillator: Creation and annihilation operators • Coherent states and squeezed states.
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Online Exam Further Quantum Mechanics exam |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Online Exam Further Quantum Mechanics exam |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.
Indicative reading
Weinberg S: Lectures on quantum mechanics (Cambridge, 2013)
Sakurai J J: Modern quantum mechanics (Addison Wesley, 1994)
Messiah A: Quantum Mechanics Volume II (Dover, 1999)
Landau L D and Lifshitz E M: Quantum Mechanics (Non-relativistic Theory) (Butterworth-Heinemann, 1977)
