Physics 531
QUANTUM MECHANICS

Instructor Duncan Carlsmith, carlsmith@wishep.physics.wisc.edu 
Course WWW page: http://lupine.hep.wisc.edu/~duncan/531/physics531.html

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This one semester course surveys principles and applications of quantum mechanics.  

Topics 

  • Where classical principles fail and mysteries of quantum physics. 
  • The Schrodinger Wave Equation 
  • One-dimensional model problems: potential barriers and the harmonic oscillator. 
  • Bra-ket notation and operator formalism. 
  • Bound states in three dimensions: molecules, atoms, nuclei, hadrons. 
  • Orbital and spin angular momentum and quantum statistics. 
  • Perturbation theory and applications to bound states, scattering, and radiation problems.

    • Logistics 

    Office hours: T 1:30- 4285 Chamberlin - 2-2485  

    Lecture: MWF 1:20 - 2:10 3425 Sterling Hall 

    Text: S. Gasiorowicz, Quantum Physics, 2nd Edition, and library references. 

    Problem Sets: Assigned Monday, due the following Monday. Solutions sets on this page.  

    Grade: Problem sets 40%, midterm 30%, final 30% 

    Library References


    R. Feynman, Lectures on Physics, Vol III, Addison-Wesley, Reading MA., 1964. 

    E. E. Anderson, Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics, W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1971. 

    A. S. Davydov, Quantum Mechanics, 2nd Edition, Pergamon, New York, 1976. 

    L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz, Quantum Mechanics (Non-relativistic Theory), Pergamon, New York, 1977. 

    Online References

    * The World of Quantum Mechanics

    Lecture Notes

    Introduction , Units , Wave Mechanics , Square well , Barriers and Tunnels , Dirac Notation , Harmonic Oscillator , Hydrogen , Identical Particles , Metals , Symmetry and Angular Momentum , Magnetic Fields , More magnetic fields and spin , Vector addition , Perturbations , Helium , Atoms , Molecules , Time dependent perturbations , Radiation , Conclusion 

    Problem Sets

    1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , practice , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 

    CUPS Graphics Files

    Illustrative graphics from the CUPS software are here. 

    Classmates

    Results from picture day are here.  

    Final Exam

    3425 Sterling 2:45 Sun 12 May