Quantum Mechanics I

Fall Semester, 2017

PY 781

C.-R. Ji, Rm# RD 400C, Phone 515-3478, Email ji@ncsu.edu

Office hours; T.H. 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
TA; Bailing Ma (Email bma4@ncsu.edu)

Class meets: T.H. 10:15 - 11:30 a.m., Rm# RD 314

E-links: http://moodle.wolfware.ncsu.edu

Course description:
PY 781 is the first semester of the intermediate course (two semesters) in quan-
tum mechanics at the graduate level. This course is an essential preparation
for advanced works in physics. By taking this course, the students are expected
not only to develope a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles
of quantum mechanics but also to build up a strong ability to solve in detail
specific problems of primary importance in physics. Fundamental concepts and
formulations including interpretation and techniques are introduced and the
applications to simple physical systems such as the free particle and the har-
monic oscillator problems are presented. The theory of angular momentum is
thoroughly reviewed and the newer developments such as Feynman path inte-
gral, Aharonov-Bohm effect and Bells inequality are discussed. Because the
lectures do not simply recapitulate the textbook but make the class interactive,
it is essential to attend every full-lecture and participate in the discussion. The
students are expected to come prepared not just to transcribe but to think and
respond.

Prerequisite: Advanced Calculus II(MA 512);

Quantum Mechanics(PY401),Mechanics(PY411) or Electromagnetism(PY414)

Textbook: Jun John Sakurai Modern Quantum Mechanics,

Second Edition; Jim Napolitano, editor.
Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1994
Pearson Education, Inc., 2011

Grading: Emphasis of the course will be on solving problems:

30% homework problems,
20% x 2 midterm exams,
30% final exam.
The final credits will be given based on +/- schemes.

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 Tentative Course Schedule(Fall,2017)

Aug.17(H) : Fundamental Concepts of Quantum Mechanics

Aug.22(T) : Bras, Kets and Operators
HW#1,Due by Aug.29
Aug.24(H) : Matrix Representations
Aug.29(T) : Measurements and Observables
HW#2,Due by Sep.5
Aug.31(H) : Change of Basis and Eigenvalue Problem
Sep. 5(T) : Fundamental Dynamical Variables; Position and Momentum
HW#3,Due by Sep.12
Sep. 7(H) : Wavefunctions in Position and Momentum Space
Sep.12(T) : No Class (Study Day; HW#1 Review)
Sep.14(H) : No Class (Study Day; HW#2 Review)
Sep.19(T) : No Class (Study Day; HW#3 Review)
Sep.21(H) : 1st Midterm Exam.
Sep.26(T) : Schrodinger Equation
Sep.28(H) : Correlation Amplitude and Energy-Time Uncertainty
HW#4,Due by Oct.10
Oct. 3(T) : Heisenberg Equation
Oct. 5(H) : No Class (Fall Break)
Oct.10(T) : Simple Harmonic Oscillator
HW#5,Due by Oct.17
Oct.12(H) : Time Dependent versus Independent Wave Equations
Oct.17(T) Further Discussion on Simple Harmonic Oscillator
HW#6,Due by Oct.24
Oct.19(H) : Propagators in Wave Mechanics
Oct.24(T) : Feynmans Path Integral Formulation
Oct.26(H) : Gauge Transformations in Electromagnetism
Oct.31(T) : Ahronov-Bohm Effect
Nov. 2(H) : 2nd Midterm Exam.
Nov. 7(T) : Rotation and Angular Momentum
Nov. 9(H) : Paulis Two-Component Formalism
HW#7,Due by Nov.16
Nov.14(T) : SO(3) and SU(2)
Nov.16(H) : Angular Momentum Operators and Eigenvalues
HW#8,Due by Nov.28
Nov.21(T) : Representation of Rotation and Spherical Harmonics
Nov.23(H) : No Class (Thanksgiving Break)
Nov.28(T) : Angular Momentum Addition
Nov.30(H) : Spin Correlations and Bells Inequality
Dec. 7(H) : FINAL EXAM.,8:00 - 11:00 a.m.