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SI2380 Advanced Quantum Mechanics 7.5 credits

"Advanced Quantum Mechanics" is a basic continuation course in quantum mechanics that aim at the applications of quantum mechanics. The course should give you deeper knowledge about the foundations of quantum mechanics and skills in problem solving in quantum mechanics.

Choose semester and course offering

Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.

Application

For course offering

Autumn 2024 TNTEM programme students

Application code

51572

Headings with content from the Course syllabus SI2380 (Spring 2022–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

  • The basic ideas and concepts of quantum mechanics: Hilbert spaces, bra-ket formalism, operators, matrix representation, observables, the measurement process, uncertainty relations, the position and momentum representation, density matrices, Bell's inequalities.
  • Quantum dynamics: temporal evolution, Schrödinger and Heisenberg picture, the propagator, path integrals.
  • Harmonic oscillator, creation and annihilation operators.
  • Symmetries in quantum mechanics: translation, rotation, parity, spatial and temporal inversion.
  • The theory of angular momentum: ladder operators, spin, addition of angular momentum.
  • Permutation symmetry, identical particles.
  • Approximation methods for time-independent and time-dependent problems, the interaction picture.

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course you should be able to:

  • describe the formal structure of quantum mechanics.
  • apply Dirac's bra-ket notation, and manipulate Hermitian and unitary operators in quantum mechanical derivations.
  • describe in detail the time evolution of quantum systems, the propagator, and the Schrödinger and Heisenberg pictures.
  • know the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics.
  • calculate the expectation value of various physical quantities and how the measurement process works in quantum mechanics.
  • solve the Schrödinger equation for various problems, such as the harmonic oscillator using algebraic methods.
  • use statistical operators (density matrices).
  • know something about quantum mechanics interpretations and Bell's inequalities.
  • describe in detail the consequences of discrete and continuous symmetries and conservation laws.
  • calculate different aspects of the angular momentum and spin, for example, addition of angular momentum.
  • analyze systems consisting of identical fermions or bosons.
  • describe the Aharonov-Bohm effect.
  • apply the main approximation methods for stationary and time-dependent quantum mechanical problems.

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

English B / English 6

Recommended prerequisites

Mathematical Methods in Physics.
Quantum Physics.

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

No information inserted

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Examination

  • TEN1 - Examination, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Other requirements for final grade

A written exam (TEN1; 7,5 university credits).

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

Yes

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Physics

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Contact

Jens Bardarson (bardarson@kth.se)