Physics 811   Quantum Mechanics I

                                      Spring 2008

                                                           TU 2:30-3:45pm    CW 143

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

5:30pm-7:30pm Wednesdays  in room CW119

Textbook: 

     Eugen Merzbacher, Quantum Mechanics, 3rd edition-- this book is used in the latter part of QM1 and in QM2

     The book by Michel Le Bellac, "Quantum Physics",  2006 Cambridge University Press, will be used frequently in QM1  for topics on fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics and in quantum information. You may want to borrow a copy from students who took QM last year if you do not want to buy one.

Supplements:
   Any typical Quantum Mechanics textbooks.

   I will teach this course at the level assuming that you have good knowledge of QM already at the level of

David Griffiths, "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics"

 Grading:  

  two quizzes    25% each

  final                25%

  Homework     25%

   Examination dates:

    Exam 1:   2/28/08   Thursday

    Exam 2:   4/22/08   Tuesday

    Final exam (comprehensive)    5/13/08  Tuesday, 9:40-11:30am

Tentative Course Outline:

  In QMI we will learn basic concepts in quantum mechanics, and will restrict ourselves mostly to finite dimensional problems. Modern development of QM which leads to the so-called quantum information theory from the last two decades will be emphasized. Standard wave mechanics topics will be covered later in this semester and continued on QM2. These parts will follow mostly Merzbacher's book.

Materials covered (updated at the end of the semester)

•   Summary of Q.M. priciples

•    polarization, quantum cryptography

•    spin 1/2 systems

•    postulates of QM and uncertainty principle

•    Entangled states and state operators

•   The EPR paradox

•    Bell's inequality, quantum zeno paradox, Schrodinger cat

•    Quantum Information: no-cloning theorem, quantum computin

•    Quantum Teleportation 

•    Followed by standard wave mechanics

 Guidelines for homework:
   

    This is a course where you learn the abstract concept of  quantum mechanics and apply it to solve  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, or by e-mails.

   Please reserve 5:30-7:30pm each Wednesday for help sessions. We will do it in room 119 since it has large tables which are more convenient for discussions. I will also use this time period for make-up lectures. We will also use these hours for questions on lectures.

  In writing your homework solutions, you should be able to explain the steps logically. You are free to discuss with other students but you have to write up your own.  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.

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/