Physics 622: Quantum Mechanics II (Credit Units: 3)

Syllabus

Physics 622: Quantum Mechanics II (Credit units: 3) (Spring 2008)

Lecture Room: 306 Natural Sciences BLDG Lecture Time: 4:00 pm-5:15 pm (Tues & Thurs) Textbook: Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Applications by N. Zettili (John Wiley & Sons)

Instructor: Dr. Ming Yu Office: Room 242, Belknap Research Building Office Hour: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (MW) PhoneNnumber: 502-852-0931 E-mail: [email protected]

Description: Nonrelativistic quantum mechanics (continue) including angular momentum theory, perturbation theory, systems of identical particles and symmetries, and scattering theory. Course Requirements: PHYS 561 and 621.

Topics covered

1. Angular Momentum Revisited 1.1 General angular momentum 1.2 Spin angular momentum 2. Rotation and Addition of Angular Momentum 2.1 Rotation in quantum mechanics 2.2 Addition of angular momenta 2.3 Scalar, spinor and vector Fields 3. Perturbation Theory 3.1 Time-independent perturbation theory 3.2 Fine structure and Zeeman effect 3.3 Time-dependent perturbation theory 4. System of Identical Particles 4.1 Many-particle systems 4.2 Systems of identical particles 4.3 Two-fermions system 4.4 Systems of more than two fermions 5. Scattering Theory 5.1 Scattering and cross section 5.2 Scattering amplitude of spinless particles 5.3 Born approximation 5.4 The method of partial waves

We may discuss some additional topics in quantum mechanics as time allows. Homework

Homework assignments will be collected and graded, and form part of your final score. You may discuss homework problems with your fellow students. In fact, you are encouraged to work as a group. However, the final write-up must be your own. .

Exams There will be a midterm exam and a final exam. The midterm exam is scheduled on March 6.

Grading Policy The final scores will be based on the two exams and the homework with breakdown as follows: Homework 20% Midterm Exam 40% Final Exam 40% The letter grades will be assigned based on the final scores. The approximate cutoffs are: Grade A+ A A_ B+ B B_ C+ C C_ D+ D D- Cutoff 90 85 78 70 65 60 50 45 41 38 35 32 Please note that the scheduled exam date and above cutoffs are tentative. The instructor reserves the right to lower the cutoffs if deemed necessary. The cutoffs, however, will not be raised in any cases.