PH4028 Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Methods

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Module Staff

TBC

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module builds on the material of PH3061 and PH3062 Quantum Mechanics 1 and 2 to present some of the important current and advanced topics in quantum mechanics. The mathematics of complex analysis is introduced to allow this to be used for relevant quantum mechanics problems. Scattering theory is developed using partial waves and Green's functions, leading to a discussion of quantum degenerate gases. Advanced topics in perturbation theory including WKB approximation for exploring differential equations. The density matrix formalism as the general state description in open quantum systems is presented; open system dynamics are described within the formalism of the density matrix master equation. Quantum information processing is covered, including concepts such as qubits, quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS PH3061 AND PASS PH3062 AND ( PASS PH3081 OR PASS PH3082 ) OR ( PASS MT2003 OR PASS MT2506 AND PASS MT2507 )

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 100%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures or tutorials.

Scheduled learning hours

31

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

119

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Additional information from school

PH4028 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics: Concepts and Methods

 

Aims & Objectives

The core idea of the course is to give a clear picture of the modern, 21st century quantum mechanics and to teach basic operational tools in this context. The module will include:

           

  • Open quantum systems are covered with the use of density matrix formalism.
  • Variational theory and WKB approximation.
  • Entanglement and quantum information and their application.
  • Quantum scattering.
  • Complex analysis, importantly introducing the residue theorem which is then used in quantum scattering problems.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of the topics covered in the lectures and will be able to:

 

  • classify and manipulate functions of a complex variable.
  • use the residue theorem to perform real integrals.
  • use scattering theory to solve quantum mechanical problems.
  • Use variational theory and WKB approximation to solve quantum mechanical problems.
  • use the density matrix as a representation of an open quantum system. Understand and be able to characterise whether a state is pure or mixed.
  • understand the notion of quantum entanglement and its relationship to Bell’s inequalities.
  • understand sample problems in quantum information, for example, be able to demonstrate via simple calculations in Dirac notation and tensor products how quantum teleportation works.

.

 

Synopsis

  • complex analysis; Cauchy-Reimann conditions, Cauchy’s integral theorem and formula; Laurent series, residue theorem and principal value.
  • scattering theory
  • variational theory.
  • WKB approximation.
  • density matrix. Purity of a state.
  • tensor product notation for multipartite states.
  • Bell’s inequalities and entanglement.
  • quantum information processing. quantum bit (qubit). quantum teleportation. quantum key distribution.

 

Accreditation Matters

This module may not contain material that is part of the IOP “Core of Physics”, but does contribute to the wider and deeper learning expected in an accredited degree programme.  The skills developed in this module, and others, contribute towards the requirements of the IOP “Graduate Skill Base”.

 

Recommended Books

Please view University online record:

http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph4028.html

 

General Information

Please also read the general information in the School's honours handbook that is available via st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php.