Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Successful completion of level 2 Physics/Astrophysics undergraduate programme
PHY-30009 Quantum Physics of Atoms and Molecules
This module will give the students an introduction to exciting applications of quantum mechanics at the cutting-edge of modern physics such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. The module will also look at the quantum mechanics behind powerful investigative techniques used in laboratories and in astrophysics such as Raman spectroscopy. Fundamental results related to the interpretation of quantum mechanics such as the Aspect experiment will also be discussed.
Aims
- extend the students' ability to apply the formalism of quantum mechanics gained in year 2 (PHY-20006) to predict and understand the behaviour of physical systems such as multi-electron atoms, molecules and quantum dots.- introduce students to notation and concepts that will enable them to appreciate some of the recent results published on the interpretation and application of modern quantum physics.
Talis Aspire Reading ListAny reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-30029/lists
Intended Learning Outcomes
describe and apply standard approximation techniques used in quantum mechanics: 1,3analyse the rotation-vibration spectrum or Raman spectrum of a diatomic molecule: 1,3describe and explain phenomena such as quantum entanglement and quantum teleportation: 1,2,3discuss the merits of and problems with different proposed interpretations of quantum mechanics in the light of experimental results: 1,2,3describe applications of quantum mechanics such as quantum dots and quantum cryptography and quantum computing: 1,2,3interpret and apply Dirac bra-ket notation: 1,2,3calculate the results of simple physical processes involving electrons using Pauli spin matrices: 1,3describe the main concepts and results in a recent peer-reviewed journal article the application or interpretration of quantum physics: 2
24 hours of lectures20 hours work on problems sheets100 hours directed reading/private study6 hours tutorials
Description of Module Assessment
1: Problem Sheets weighted 15%2 PROBLEM SHEETSTwo problem sheets.
2: Report weighted 15%Summary at year 3 level of a recent journal article The students will select a recent journal article related to the interpretation or application of quantum mechanics and write a summary article of up to 1000 words suitable for year 3 Keele physics students.
3: Unseen Exam weighted 70%Unseen ExamStudents to answer 3 questions out of 5.