Physics 811   Quantum Mechanics I

                                      Spring 2007

                                                           TU 2:30-3:45    CW 143

Instructor: C. D. Lin
CW230   532-1617
cdlin@phys.ksu.edu
 
Help hours:  

 by appointment

Textbook: 

     Michel Le Bellac, "Quantum Physics",  2006 Cambridge University Press

             This book will be used for both QMI and QMII.

Supplements:
   Any typical Quantum Mechanics textbooks.

   The next two books will also be used  specficially:

   David Griffiths, "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics"-- it will be useful to have this popular textbook.

   Mark Fox, "Quantum Optics, an Introduction"-- The last three chapters of this book will be used for the introduction to quantum information theory.
  

 Grading: (yes, it adds to 120%)

  three quizzes    20 % each

  final               30%

  Homework    30%

   Examination dates:
    

    Exam 1:   2/15/07

    Exam 2:   3/29/07

    Exam 3:   4/24/07

    Final exam (comprehensive)    5/10/07

Tentative Course Outline:

   Two "innovations" will be used in this course. (1) I will quickly review QM at the undergraduate level following the undergraduate textbook by Griffiths. (check that you are familiar with this part).  I will then start with the more advanced material in that book. The hope is that you will have mastered the Griffiths before we go on to the graduate level QM.

(2) Following the last chapter of Griffiths, we will study topics in Quantum information. I will cover elementary material on quantum cryptography, quantum computing, entangled states and quantum teleportation, following the last three chapters of Max Fox's book.

(3) We will then go on to Le Bellac for the QM at the advanced level.

Materials covered (updated at the end of the semester)

1. Summary of Q.M. priciples

2. Quick review of 1D and 3D Schrodinger theory and spin

3. Chapter 2 of La Bellac: linear operators,  2.1, 2.2. 2.3

4. Chapter 3    3.1 polarization, quantum cryptography

5.  3.2    spin 1/2

6. 4.1, 4.2. postulate of QM and uncertainty principle

7.  5.1, 5.2, 5.3 systems with finite degrees of freedom

8. 6.1, 6.2  Entangled states and state operators

9. 6.3 The EPR paradox

10. 6.4. Quantum Information: no-cloning theorem, quantum computing

11. Variational principle from Griffth

12.  WKB approximation from Griffth

13. Bell's inequality, quantum zeno paradox, Schrodinger cat,  from Griffth

14. Quantum Teleportation from La Bellac, 6.4

 Guidelines for homework:
   

    This is a course on applying quantum mechanics to solving real problems. You are to learn mostly by doing the homework. One set of homework will be given each week on Tuesdays.  That set will be due on the following Tuesday.  The homework will be posted on my teaching webpage.

    I will not grade each homework for every student each week. I will read some and just check the others.  You are free to discuss with other students but you have to write up your own. This part will account for the other half of the homework grade.

   Once you finish a calculation, look at the answer and ask yourself if it makes sense to you. If not, say so and why. You need to make a judgment on your results. This will give you extra credit.

Students with disabilities:
   If you have any condition such as a physical or learning disability, which will make it difficult for you to carry out the work as I have outlined it or which will require academic accommodations, please notify me and contact the Disabled Students Office (Holton 202), in the first two weeks of the course

Plagiarism:
  Plagiarism and cheating are serious offenses and may be punished by failure on the exam, paper or project; failure in the course; and/or expulsion from the University.  For more information refer to the “Academic Dishonesty” policy in K-State Undergraduate Catalog and the Undergraduate Honor System Policy on the Provost’s web page at http://www.ksu.edu/honor/