Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - PHYS 285 D100

Quantum I (3)

Class Number: 1536

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2023
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Either MATH 232 or MATH 240, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The concepts of quantum mechanics introduced through two-level systems and explored in a way that requires only familiarity with general concepts of linear algebra. Introduction to concepts in classical and quantum information theory, bits and qubits, quantum dynamics, quantum communication and cryptography, and quantum circuits. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Topics:

  1. Experiments demonstrating non-classical features of quantum physics
  2. Photons, interference, superposition
  3. State vectors and transformations
  4. Spin, observables, measurements and probabilities
  5. Time evolution, Hamiltonian, Schrödinger equation
  6. Operators, eigenvalue problem; commutators
  7. Postulates of QM
  8. Composite systems, entanglement; quantum teleportation 
  9. Qubits and quantum computation; quantum circuits
  10. Pure and mixed states, density matrix; interaction with environment, decoherence
  11. "Interpretations", nonlocality

Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Participation (details TBD) 10%
  • Midterm 1 15%
  • Midterm 2 20%
  • Final Exam 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Text:
A first introduction to quantum physics, Pieter Kok
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9783319922072

(also available as e-text through the SFU library)

 

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