Further Quantum Mechanics - PHY00042M

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  • Department: Physics
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

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

Related modules


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 Spring Term 2022-23

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.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100.0

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)