Admission requirements
Prior knowledge of Quantum Mechanics 1, Statistical Physics 1, Classical Mechanics B, Analysis 3 NA, Linear Algebra 2 (NA)
Description
This course deepens the understanding of quantum mechanics by studying important quantum phenomena and applications of quantum mechanics in technologies like MRI and the laser.
The following topics are treated:
Quantum statistical description of indistinguishable particles
Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein, and Planck distributions
The free electron gas, Bose-Einstein condensation, and the law of Stefan and Boltzmann.
The structure of atoms and the Periodic Table
Time-independent perturbation theory and application in the fine-structure and hyperfinestructure in the spectrum of the hydrogen atom
Influence of external magnetic field (Zeeman-effect) and electrical field (Stark-effect) on spectral lines
Time-dependent perturbation theory and application to two-level systems
Einstein theory of radiation processes: absorption, stimulated and spontaneous emission and its use in the laser.
selection rules for radiative transitions An introduction to more advanced and/or modern topics in quantum mechanics is given: Dirac equation for relativistic electrons, entanglement, and quantum computers.
Course objectives
After the course the student will be able to discuss and explain the following concepts and topics and to apply these concepts in calculations:
Quantum statistical description of indistinguishable particles
Fermi-Dirac, Bose-Einstein and Planck distribution
Properties of the free electron gas, the free Bose gas, and the role of the density of states
How quantum mechanics averts the ultraviolet catastrophy
Apply time-independent perturbation theory to calculate the fine-structure and hyperfinestructure of the spectrum of hydrogen atoms
How external magnetic (Zeeman-effect) and electrical fields (Stark-effect) affect the spectra of atoms
Apply time-dependent perturbation theory to two-level systems and explain the essence of magnetic resonance imaging
Explain the radiative processes: absorption, stimulated and spontaneous emission (Einstein theory) and perform calculations of the corresponding transition rates.
You will be able to explain or describe in your own words the following concepts or topics:
How the laser (and maser) work
Entanglement and quantum information
Dirac equation for relativistic electrons
Schedule
The timetables are available through My Timetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
Lectures, tutorials (exercise classes) and homework assignments.
For more information see Brightspace
Assesment method
Written exam (closed book) with open questions.
The final grade is calculated using the grade of the exam and adding a bonus of maximally 1 point to be earned by handing in homework assignments. For the retake exam the bonus does not apply.
Resit, review & feedback
Examinations are held twice during the academic year for each component offered in that academic year. Midterm tests cannot be retaken. The Board of Examiners determines the manner of resit for practical assignments.
For review and feedback, see Brightspace.
Reading list
David J. Griffiths and Darrell F. Schroeter, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, 3rd edition, ISBN 978-1-107-18963-8 (hard back).
This is the same book as used in the Quantum Mechanics 1 course. As complement to the textbook the lecture notes Quantum Statistical Physics will be made available.
Errata and a warning about incomplete international editions of the textbook can be found on the personal homepage of David Griffiths http://www.reed.edu/physics/faculty/griffiths.html
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap (button in upper right corner) is mandatory. General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar).
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.