LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course is a master's-level class on advanced quantum mechanics, assuming some basic knowledge of quantum physics and mathematical tools such a linear algebra and complex analysis.
We take Planck's radiation law from year 1900 as our historical starting point and then proceed through the scientific developments that eventually led to the quantum theory that we know today. We then move on to modern applications and concepts, such as the experimental detection of entanglement, quantum computing and communication, up until the current era of quantum engineering and quantum technology.
The course consists of lectures, exercises classes, and home work problems.
After the course, a student can:
- Explain the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics
- Solve quantum mechanical problems using mathematical tools such as the Dirac notation and the representation of physical observables by Hermitian operators
- Predict the time-evolution of a quantum system and the probabilities of specific measurement outcomes
- Develop approximate solutions to stationary problems using perturbation theory (or the WKB method)
- Analyse composite quantum systems and entanglement
- Describe basic algorithms for quantum information processing and quantum communication
- Account for decoherence processes in open quantum systems
Credits: 5
Schedule: 06.09.2022 - 08.12.2022
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Christian Flindt
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
- History and postulates of quantum mechanics
- Quantum states and wave functions, quantum measurements
- Hilbert space, Dirac notation, Hermitian operators
- Spin and angular momentum, the Bloch sphere, spin resonance
- The quantum harmonic oscillator, coherent states
- Time-independent perturbation theory, the Wentzel Kramers Brillouin (WKB) method
- Composite systems and entanglement
- Bell s inequaility and the EPR paradox
- Quantum computing, Deutsh s algorithm, Grover s algorithm
- Quantum teleportation and communication
- Open quantum systems and decoherence
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Homework (40%) and written final exam (60%).
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
- 12 x 2 h lectures (Tuesdays) = 24 h
- 12 x 2 h exercise classes (Thursdays) = 24 h
- 11 x 4 h home work problems = 44 h
- 12 x 2 h reading material = 24 h
- Exam + preparations = 19 h
Total = 135 h
DETAILS
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language : English
Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn I - II
2023-2024 Autumn I - IIEnrollment :
Registration for courses will take place on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi).