640-344 Quantum Systems

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

640-341 Quantum Mechanics or 640-321 Quantum Mechanics (Advanced).

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

Quantum mechanics governs the structure of atomic, molecular and solid state systems, the nature of light and charge, and the interactions between these systems. Whereas earlier subjects detailed the principles and foundations of quantum mechanics, this subject details properties of real systems and discusses modern applications of this fundamental field or enquiry. The necessary use of quantum ideas in developing an understanding of the structure of matter is emphasised. The content of this subject includes aspects of the following: systems of identical particles, symmetrisation and antisymmetrisation, the Pauli Exclusion Principle and applications: the helium atom using perturbative and variational approaches; degenerate perturbation theory; an introduction to many -electron atoms; fine and hyperfine structure; atoms in static external fields, the Stark and Zeeman effects, magnetism; an introduction to molecules and chemical bonds, the hydrogen ion molecule, the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, the energy levels of molecules; time-dependent perturbation theory, electromagnetic transitions in atoms, the Golden Rule, spectroscopy and lasers; exponential decay and barrier penetration; an introduction to multiple and periodic potentials in solid state systems; band structure, conductors, insulators and semiconductors.

Assessment

A 2.5 hour end-of-semester written examination, plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

Prescribed Texts

• Bransden B H and Joachain C J, Physics of Atoms and Molecules. 1983 Longman.