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The first part of the course is devoted to an in-depth exploration of the basic
principles of quantum mechanics.
After
a brief review of probability theory, in Chapter 2, we shall start, in Chapter 3, by examining how many of the central
ideas of quantum mechanics are a direct consequence of wave-particle
duality--i.e., the concept that waves sometimes act as particles, and particles
as waves. We shall then proceed to investigate the rules of quantum mechanics in a more systematic fashion in Chapter 4. Quantum mechanics is used to examine the motion of a single
particle in one dimension, many particles in one dimension, and a single
particle in three dimensions, in Chapters 5, 6, and 7,
respectively. Chapter 8 is devoted to the investigation of orbital
angular momentum, and Chapter 9 to the closely related subject of
particle motion in a central potential. Finally, in Chapters 10 and 11,
we shall examine spin angular momentum, and the addition of orbital and spin
angular momentum, respectively.
The second part of this course describes
selected practical applications of quantum mechanics. In Chapter 12, time-independent perturbation theory is used to investigate the Stark effect,
the Zeeman effect, fine structure, and hyperfine structure, in the hydrogen
atom. Time-dependent perturbation theory is employed to study
radiative transitions in the hydrogen atom in Chapter 13. Chapter 14
illustrates the use of variational methods in quantum mechanics.
Finally, Chapter 15 contains an introduction to quantum scattering theory.
Next: Probability Theory
Up: Introduction
Previous: Aim of Course
Richard Fitzpatrick
2010-07-20