Time Schedule:
Ann E Nelson
PHYS 517
Seattle Campus
First of a three-part sequence. Modern non-relativistic quantum mechanics developed, beginning with its basic principles. Dirac and abstract operator notation introduced, starting with simple examples. Offered: A.
Class description
wave particle duality, wave packets, Heisenberg uncertainty relation, probability distributions, linear algebra, vector space, operators, commutation rules, diagonalization of operators, Dirac notation, hermitian operators and observables, orthogonality and completeness, complete sets of compatible observables, Schrodinger and Heisenberg pictures, solution of harmonic oscillator via raising and lowering operators, Schrodinger equation, stationary solutions, bound states, eigenvalue problems, discrete and continuous energy spectra, tunnelling, reflection and transmission in 1D , 1D harmonic oscillator, Feynman's formulation of Quantum Mechanics, propagators, transition amplitudes, Ehrenfest's theorem, WKB method, stationary phase approximation to path integral, coherent states
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
lectures and problem sets
Recommended preparation
undergraduate course in quantum mechanics at level of Griffiths textbook, linear algebra, complex analysis
Class assignments and grading
weekly problem sets
Problem sets 35% , Midterm 25%, Final 40%. Grading will not be on a curve. Absolute point scheme will be determined at end of exams.
