Physics 441; Quantum Physics

Jeffrey Schmidt, 319 GNQ, 595-2134 jeff@rustam.uwp.edu

Topics covered (ambitious version, ordering is not strict)

Topic Lectures (approximate)
Newtonian mechanics, Least Action Principle, Lagrangian Mechanics 1
Hamiltonian Mechanics, Canonical transformation 1
Hamilton-Jacobi equation, Poisson brackets, geometrization 1
Constants of the motion, Lax pairs 1
Phase space quantization, Classical limits 1
Postulates of Wave Mechanics, canonical quantization 1
Measurement Theory 1
Operators 1
Waves and Wavepackets, localizability 1
Dirac Formalism 1
The Uncertainty Principle 1
One Dimensional Bound State Problems 2
One Dimensional Scattering 2
Tunneling, Resonances, Related Phenomena 2
The Harmonic Oscillator 1
Heisenberg and Schrodinger Pictures 1
Matrix Formalism 1
Stationary State Perturbations 1
Time Dependent Perturbations 1
Angular Momentum 2
Stern-Gerlach Experiment 1
Rotations, Spin Physics 1
The Hydrogen Atom 2
Degenerate Perturbation Theory 1*
Stark and Zeeman Effects 1*
The Dirac Equation 3*

*-denotes a choice of topics, time permitting.

Grading

The course grade is based on 120 homework problems assigned at a rate of 7-10 problems per week. Grade cutoffs are A; 900-1000, B; 800-899, C; 650-799, D; 500-649. Students will be expected to use the computer to solve some problems (about 10), by writing programs in some language of their choice.
The "final exam" is an extended homework assignment.
Homework will not be accepted for credit if turned in after the due date.

Text and references

Recommended reference texts are Modern Physics by Tipler, and volume I of Quantum Mechanics by A. Messiah, which is now published by Dover in paperback, volumes I and II combined, for $29.95. The course will be supplimented by approximately 500 pages of material distributed from this website in electronic form, or on CDROM.

The web page http://rustam.uwp.edu/441 contains numerous supplimental materials such as computer programs, animations, simulations and problem solutions. It should be consulted regularly.

I reserve the right to modify this syllabus as I see fit, in order to adapt to changing needs in the course.