Course content

Fundamental principles in quantum mechanics. Eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. Stationary and non-stationary states. The free particle. One-dimensional potentials: Square well. Scattering in one dimension. Tunnel effect.
Three-dimensional potentials: Particle in box. Ideal Fermi gas, with applications on electrons in metals and quantum hetero structures. Ideal boson gas. Planck's law. Laser. Problems with spherical symmetry.
General formulation of quantum mechanics. Harmonic oscillator. Angular momentum. Magnetic moments. Spin. Addition of angular momenta. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Semi-classical radiation theory.

Learning outcome

The student is supposed to: — master the central aspects of basic quantum mechanics: basic postulates, eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, expansions in terms of eigenfunctions, stationary and non-stationary states, continuity, curvature, square-well potential, harmonic oscillator, central theorems, the hydrogen atom, — learn about the momentum representation of quantum mechanics, delta-function potentials, scattering in one dimension, and ideal Fermi and Bose gases, — learn how to use the Dirac formalism, and how to apply operator algebra to quantize angular momentum and the harmonic oscillator, — master spin formalism and addition of angular momenta, — acquire an understanding of first-order time-dependent perturbation theory, including harmonic perturbations and Fermi's golden rule, — acquire some knowledge of semi-classical radiation theory applied to absorption and stimulated emission, including among other things the selection rules in the dipole approximation.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and guided exercises. A re-sit examination may be changed from written to oral.

Recommended previous knowledge

The course requires knowledge equivalent to TFY4160 Wave Physics and TFY4215 Introduction to Quantum Physics.

Course materials

P. C. Hemmer: Kvantemekanikk, Tapir, 2000. (In Norwegian).
B.H. Bransden & C.J. Joachain: Quantum Mechanics, Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, 2000.
Lecture notes.

Credit reductions