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Physics 531: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Spring 2008   
Place:
Time:
Instructor:
Office:
 2223 Chamberlin Hall
1:20 PM - 2:10 PM, MWF
Maxim G. Vavilov
5318 Chamberlin Hall


Textbook: D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics;
additional reading: J. J. Sakurai, Modern Quantum Mechanics.

Office hours: (tentative time) Thursday, 3:00 pm and by appointment.

 
Final letter grade will be determined by the homework (1/3), midterm exams (1/3, 1/6 for each) and by the final exam (1/3). Homework assignments will be biweekly. Two midterm exams will be offered after topics 2 and 4.  

Topics: 
  1. Basic concepts of Quantum Mechanics:
    1. Wave functions. 
    2. Observables and their operators. 
    3. Review of Linear Algebra.
  2. Schroedinger equation in one dimension: 
    1. Propagation of free particles. 
    2. Particles in potential wells. 
    3. Propagation through barriers.
  3. Schroedinger equation in three dimensions: 
    1. Angular momentum. 
    2. Hydrogen atom. 
    3. Spin.
    4. Charged particle in magnetic field.
  4. Approximation methods:
    1. Time-independent perturbation theory. 
    2. The fine and hyperfine structures of a hydrogen atom.
    3. Time-dependent perturbations. Fermi golden rule.  
    4. WKB approximation. Semiclassical spectrum. Tunneling rate.
  5. Scattering theory. The Born approximation.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Homework 1 due Feb. 11 (solutions)
Homework 2 due Feb. 25 (solutions)
Homework 3 due Mar. 10 (solutions)
Homework 4 due Mar. 31  (solutions)
Homework 5 due Apr. 14 (solutions)
Homework 6 due Apr. 28  (solutions)
Homework 7 due May 9  (solutions)

Midterm 1, solutions
Midterm 2, due Apr. 21
Midterm 1, 2nd trial, due May 5

FINAL EXAM, due May 17

LECTURES