PHYM014 - Module Description

MODULE TITLE	Quantum Mechanics II (IS)					CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHYM014		MODULE CONVENER			Dr A.V. Shytov

DURATION	TERM	1	2	3	Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)		5
	WEEKS		T2:01-11

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module is an Independent Study version of PHYM002. It is taken by students remote from Exeter, e.g. at Stage 3 of F304, who are therefore unable to attend traditional lectures and tutorials.

This module builds upon the PHY2022 Quantum Mechanics I module taken by students at Stage 2. It covers a range of more advanced topics leading to the discussion of quantum transitions and non-relativistic scattering. Much of physics concerns manifestations of the electromagnetic interaction which is susceptible to perturbation techniques. The methods outlined in the module are applicable to many situations in condensed matter and nuclear physics enabling useful and informative solutions to be obtained to non-exactly-soluble problems without resort to numerical methods.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to build upon the foundations laid in PHY2022 Quantum Mechanics I and develop the students' grasp of quantum mechanics - particularly its formalism and applications - to the point where they will be able to engage with contemporary research literature.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

formulate, and evaluate, the solutions to a variety of perturbed quantum mechanical systems;
calculate energy shifts, transition probabilities (and rates) and cross-sections;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

use matrix concepts to solve QM problems;
use mathematics to solve problems;
present and defend their solutions to problems to the group;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

undertake co-operative learning by discussing the contents of the module amongst themselves;
make informal presentations of technical material;
work independently in order to meet deadlines.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Heisenberg's Approach to Quantum Mechanics
1. Matrix elements for a quantum harmonic oscillator and a quantum rotor
2. Electron spin and Pauli matrices
3. Quantum particle in a double-well potential as a two-level system
Time-Independent Perturbation Theory
1. Formulae for energy shifts to the first and second order
Atoms in External Fields
1. Normal and anomalous Stark effect
2. Spin-orbit interaction, normal and anomalous Zeeman effect
Few-Particle Systems
1. Bose and Fermi particles, the Pauli principle
2. Two-electron system: spin addition and exchange interaction
Structure of Many-Electron Atoms
1. Electron shells
2. Hund's rules,
3. The role of spin-orbit interaction
4. LS coupling scheme.
5. Zeeman effect in many-electron atoms
6. Hyperfine structure of atomic spectra.
Molecules
1. Heitler-London theory
2. Structure of molecular spectra
Quantum Transitions
1. Perturbation theory
2. Rabi oscillations
3. Fermi's golden rule formula.
4. The ammonia maser
5. Rate of spontaneous emission.
Quantum Scattering
1. Born approximation.
2. Scattering of electrons in graphene

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

0 hours

Guided independent study

150 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS