Quantum Physics

(UCSD Physics 130)

April 2, 2003

Course Summary

• Problems with Classical Physics
• Thought Experiments on Diffraction
• Probability Amplitudes
• Wave Packets and Uncertainty
• Operators
• Expectation Values
• Commutators
• The Schrödinger Equation
• Eigenfunctions, Eigenvalues and Vector Spaces
• A Particle in a Box
• Piecewise Constant Potentials in One Dimension
• The Harmonic Oscillator in One Dimension
• Delta Function Potentials in One Dimension
• Harmonic Oscillator Solution with Operators
• More Fun with Operators
• Two Particles in 3 Dimensions
• Identical Particles
• Some 3D Problems Separable in Cartesian Coordinates
• Angular Momentum
• Solutions to the Radial Equation for Constant Potentials
• Hydrogen
• Solution of the 3D HO Problem in Spherical Coordinates
• Matrix Representation of Operators and States
• A Study of  Operators and Eigenfunctions
• Spin 1/2 and other 2 State Systems
• Quantum Mechanics in an Electromagnetic Field
• Local Phase Symmetry in Quantum Mechanics and the Gauge Symmetry
• Addition of Angular Momentum
• Time Independent Perturbation Theory
• The Fine Structure of Hydrogen
• Hyperfine Structure
• The Helium Atom
• Atomic Physics
• Molecules
• Time Dependent Perturbation Theory
• Radiation in Atoms
• Classical Field Theory
• The Classical Electromagnetic Field
• Quantization of the EM Field
• Scattering of Photons
• Electron Self Energy
• The Dirac Equation
• The Dirac Equation

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Jim Branson 2013-04-22