Overview
Description
Perturbation theory, (both time-independent and time-dependent), degeneracy, interaction of matter with radiation, selection rules. Scattering theory. Born approximation and other approximation methods. Dirac notation and an introduction to spin.
Units
Lecture3
Catalog Details
Offering
Offered: Every Spring
Terms
spring
Attributes
Standard
Learning Outcomes
- describe the quantum energy levels of charged particles and neutral atoms in the presence of an external magnetic field.
- apply the mathematical apparatus of time-independent perturpation theory to calculate the energy levels of anharmonic oscillators and the fine and hyperfine structure of the Hydrogen Atom.
- solve the Schrodinger equation using time-dependent perturpation theory. Learn the basic concepts of matter-field interaction physics (such as the dipole Hamiltonian and selection rules) and understand the quantum dynamics of a two-level atom excited by time-dependent electromagnetic radiation.
- use the variational method to calculate the energy levels of complex physical systems (such as the Helium atom).
- demonstrate familiarity with the basic concepts of quantum scattering theory, including probability fluxes, scattering across sections and lengths, and partial wave expansions. Solve quantum scattering problems using Born approximation.
- recall and write down the eigenstates of the total angular momentum of a composite physical system using the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients or 3-I symbols.
- demonstrate understanding of the symmetry properties of many-particle wavefunctions and be able to construct the wavefunctions for many identical boson and fermion systems.