Descriptif

Quantum physics is the theoretical framework
for the description of nature at
the atomic length scale and below. According
to our present knowledge, it encompasses
the most fundamental physical
theory, and is the basis for everyday applications
like semi-conductor electrons,
lasers, medical imaging to name only a
few. In PHY205, students discover quantum
physics through the formalism of
Schrödinger’s wave mechanics, and learn
to describe simple, non-relativistic quantum
phenomena, mainly in one dimension,
by applying mathematics of classical
waves to which they have become familiar.
Subsequently, they are introduced to
the quantum-mechanical formalism of
which the central notion is the quantum
state. Students also become familiar with
the underlying mathematical structures,
Hilbert spaces and Hermitian operators,
and discover the quantum description
of known classical systems and concepts
such as free motion, the harmonic oscillator
and angular momentum. The course
also allows students to explore purely
quantum phenomena that have no classical
counterpart, such as the electron
spin, and a brief overview on quantum
communication may be provided. Throughout
the course, the abstract theory will
be illustrated by historic experimental
evidence and modern applications whenever
appropriate.
Upon completion of this course, students
will be able to explain the conceptual
difference between classical and quantum
behavior, and solve simple one- or
two-dimensional problems of quantum
mechanics in the framework of wave
mechanics. Furthermore, they will be
able to wield the abstract formalism of
quantum states in Hilbert spaces, and to
apply it on simple quantum systems.