Entry requirements

60 credits including Transform methods, Applied mechanics I/Mechanics II and Electromagnetism I. Participation in Waves and optics and Mathematical methods of physics.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• account for basic concepts and formalism of quantum mechanics,
• perform simple calculations on quantum mechanical systems by solving the Schrödinger equation,
• describe atoms and molecules as well as electron physics using quantum physics,
• make spectroscpic studies of different samples and interpret the results,
• account for the importance of quantum mechanics for simple engineering applications,
• present orally in English the results of experimental studies and discuss their quantum mechanical interpretation.

Content

The experimental background of quantum physics, particles and atomic models, the photon, the photoelectric effect, the spectrum of hydrogen-like atoms. An overview of special relativity. Spectrum. The correspondence principle. Wave-particle duality, probabilities, wave functions, the Schrödinger equation, wave packets. Expectation values, operators, uncertainty relations. Dirac formalism.

One-dimensional systems, stationary states, the infinite square well, the harmonic oscillator, transmission, tunneling and reflection. Three-dimensional systems, the hydrogen atom and one-electron atoms, angular momentum and central motion, transitions, energy level diagrams, time-independent perturbation theory. Many-electron atoms, spin, addition of angular momentum, identical particles, fermions and bosons, the Pauli principle, electron configurations, the Zeeman effect, spin-orbit coupling, the central field approximation, fine structure, the periodic system, optical transitions and X-rays, spectroscopy.

Briefly about diatomic molecules: bonding, vibrational and rotational motions, transitions.

The importance of quantum physics for engineering applications.

Instruction

Lectures, exercise classes, experimental laboratory sessions.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (9 credits) and mid-course examination. Passing the mid-course examination gives bonus points that can be used on the final exam and the regular re-exams. Laboratory course is also required with an oral presentation in English (1 credit).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.

Other directives

The course is not equivalent to 1FA521 Quantum physics.