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The aim of this module is to develop advanced concepts and formal methods of quantum mechanics and their application to atomic physics.
Module content
Quantum Physics: Time-dependent Schrödinger equation, operator formalism, eigenvalue equations, probability amplitudes, angular momentum, commutation relations, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, matrix mechanics, spin one-half system, perturbation theory, two-particle systems.
Atomic Physics: fine structure of hydrogen atom, Lamb shift, radiative transitions, introduction to laser spectroscopy, alkali atoms and quantum defect, hyperfine structure, helium atom, exclusion principle, LS and jj coupling in multi-electron atoms, atoms in external fields, cooling and trapping of atoms, Bose-Einstein condensation, introduction to quantum information.
This module specifically addresses the following topics of the Core of Physics, as defined by Institute of Physics:
- Calculus to the level of multiple integrals; solution of linear ordinary and differential equations
- Three-dimensional trigonometry
- Matrices to the level of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
- Wave function and its interpretation
- Standard solutions and quantum numbers,to the level of the hydrogen atom
- First order time independent perturbation theory
- Quantum structure and spectra of simple atoms
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