8.06 Quantum Physics III, Spring 2003

Abstract

Continuation of 8.05. Units: natural units, scales of microscopic phenomena, applications. Time-independent approximation methods: degenerate and non-degenerate perturbation theory, variational method, Born-Oppenheimer approximation, applications to atomic and molecular systems. The structure of one- and two-electron atoms: overview, spin-orbit and relativistic corrections, fine structure, variational approximation, screening, Zeeman and Stark effects. Charged particles in a magnetic field: Landau levels and integer quantum hall effect. Scattering: general principles, partial waves, review of one-dimension, low-energy approximations, resonance, Born approximation. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Students research and write a paper on a topic related to the content of 8.05 and 8.06. From the course home page: Course Description This course is a continuation of 8.05, Quantum Physics II. Content includes: Natural Units Charged particles in a magnetic field Time-independent perturbation theory Variational and semi-classical methods Quantum Computing The adiabatic approximation and Berry’s phase Scattering Time-dependent perturbation theory