Fall 2024 - PHYS 385 D100

Quantum II (3)

Class Number: 1845

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2024
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 252 or MATH 254; MATH 260; PHYS 255; PHYS 285 or ENSC 380 or CHEM 260. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: PHYS 211.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Stern-Gerlach experiments and the structure of quantum mechanics; operators; angular momentum and spin; Schrödinger equation and examples for time evolution; systems of two spin-½ particles; density operators; wave mechanics in one dimension including the double slit experiment, particle in a box, scattering in one dimension, tunnelling; one-dimensional harmonic oscillator; coherent states. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topics:

1. The Stern-Gerlach experiments and the spin of electron
2. Rotations and matrix mechanics: operators, eigenvalues, eigenstates
3. Angular momentum eigenstates using ladder operators
4. Commutators, and the uncertainty relations
5. Time evolution and the Schrödinger equation, spin precession, magnetic resonance
6. Two spin-1/2 particles, EPR paradox, Bell's inequality
7. Entanglement, quantum teleportation
8. Wave mechanics in one dimension: coordinate and momentum basis
9. Solutions to Schrödinger equation in 1D: free particle, particle in a box, scattering
10. Harmonic oscillator, coherent states

Grading

  • Homework 30%
  • Exams 70%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required book:
"A modern approach to quantum mechanics" by John. S. Townsend, 2nd Edition

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.