Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Applications of Quantum Physics
| Unit code | PHYS30101 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 3 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Applications of Quantum Physics
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | PHYS20101 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Aims
To develop the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and apply them to a variety of physical systems.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to:
1. Describe the features of quantum-mechanical tunnelling and calculate the probability of tunnelling through a barrier.
2. Solve simple eigenvalue problems, calculate expectation values and probabilities for systems of
trapped particles and describe features arising from the associated shell structure.
3. Apply the basic concepts of quantum mechanics to two-state systems to solve eigenvalue
problems, calculate expectation values and probabilities.
4. Add angular momenta in quantum mechanics and apply to the fine-structure of atomic energy
levels.
5. Calculate first-order shifts in energy levels produced by external fields.
6. Define entangled states in quantum mechanics and use these to describe simple ideas of
quantum information.
Syllabus
1. Reminder of the Basic Concepts of Quantum Mechanics (1 lecture)
2. Barriers and tunnelling (3 lectures)
Applications to nuclear physics and solid-state physics.
Simple descriptions of resonant tunnelling in layered semiconductors.
3. Trapped particles (6 lectures)
Eigenvalue problems for quantum dots, quantum wires and quantum wells – shell structure and magic numbers.
First-order perturbation theory.
4. Spin and other two-state systems (5 lectures)
Angular momentum and ladder operators.
Quantum mechanical representations of intrinsic spin.
Adding angular momenta.
Other two-state systems.
5. Atoms and magnetic fields (3 lectures)
Magnetic fields in atoms: spin-orbit coupling and fine structure.
Atoms in magnetic fields: Zeeman effect and Landé g-factor.
Spectra and selection rules.
Precession and NMR.
6. Quantum information (4 lectures)
Measurement in quantum mechanics.
Entanglement.
Quantum cryptography, teleportation and computing.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by tutors in examples classes. These classes will be based on weekly examples sheets; solutions will be issued.
Recommended reading
Recommended text:
Rae, A. I. M. Quantum Mechanics (Chapman and Hall)
Supplementary reading:
Gasiorowicz, S. Quantum Physics (Wiley)
Mandl, F. Quantum Mechanics (Wiley)
Miller, D.A.B. Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers (Cambridge)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 22 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 76.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Saeed Bahramy | Unit coordinator |