Introductory description

Quantum theory was developed initially to understand black-body radiation and the emission spectra of atoms. Since then it has become the basis for understanding many phenomena across physics and beyond. Examples include nuclear fusion, which provides all our energy one way or another (fossil fuels are solar energy captured by plants), semiconductor devices (computers, phones, LEDs), the properties of materials (do they conduct, are they transparent), the elementary particles and their interactions.

This module covers the mathematical tools used in quantum mechanics and the fundamental postulates of quantum theory. It applies these to explain the structure of the periodic table, the conductivity and heat capacity of metals, and how semiconductor devices work. Using ideas from quantum mechanics, the module also shows how it is possible to explain a number of aspects of particle physics such as antiparticles and particle oscillations.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Revision of wavefunctions, probability densities and the Schrödinger equation in 1 dimension. The hydrogen atom: orbital angular momentum, quantum numbers, probability distributions. Atomic spectra and Zeeman effect. Electron spin: Stern-Gerlach, spin quantum numbers, spin-orbit coupling, exclusion principle and periodic table. X-ray spectra

Formal Quantum Mechanics:
The first postulate - the wavefunction to describe the state of a system; the principle of superposition of states; Operators and their rôle in quantum mechanics; the correspondence principle; measurement, Hermitian operators and eigenvalue equations; the uncertainty principle - compatibility of measurements and commuting of operators; the time dependent Schrödinger equation

Quantising the harmonic oscillator, creation and annihilation operators

Angular momentum:
The angular momentum operators and their commutators; the eigenvalues of the angular momentum operators, the l and m quantum numbers; the eigenfunctions of the angular momentum operators, the Spherical Harmonics. The hydrogen atom revisited

Models of Matter:
Statement of the many body problem. Why do molecules, nuclei and solids form? The free fermion model model, the Fermi surface, density of states. Fermi-Dirac distribution. Heat capacity, magnetic susceptibility, Pauli paramagnetism, ferromagnetism. Current in quantum mechanics and conductivity in a metal. Fermion degeneracy in white dwarf and neutron stars, gravitational collapse. The liquid drop model of the nucleus, energy release in fission. The crystal lattice: Lattices as repeated cells, unit cell. Lattice types in 3D. Reciprocal lattice vectors, relation to material on Fourier series. Planes and indices. X-ray diffraction. The nearly free electron model, scattering of electron waves by a periodic lattice and band structure. Insulators and semiconductors, doping. Semiconductor devices, e.g. diode, LED

Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations. Solution to Dirac for particle in its rest frame and for particles with zero rest mass. Antiparticles and the origin of spin

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Explain the origin of the n,l,m and s quantum numbers and their relation to the periodic table
• Explain the significance of Hermitian operators, eigenvalue equations and the correspondence principle
• Use quantum mechanics to find the electronic states of a hydrogen atom
• Explain the free-electron model of a metal
• Discuss the concept of an energy band and how this can be used to explain the properties of metals and semiconductors
• Apply ideas from quantum theory to explain phenomena observed in elementary particles and nuclei

Indicative reading list

H D Young and R A Freedman, University Physics, Pearson
AIM Rae, Quantum Mechanics, IOP
P.C.W. Davies and D.S. Betts, Quantum Mechanics, Chapman and Hall 1994;
F. Mandl, Quantum Mechanics, John Wiley 1992
Steve Simon, The Oxford Solid State Basics, OUP.
RP Feynman, Feynman Lectures on Physics (Vol III), NY Basic Books (Chapters 8-11)
W.N. Cottingham and D.A. Greenwood, An Introduction the Standard Model of Particle Physics,
Cambridge 2nd Edition, 2007.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Knowledge of mathematics and physics. Skills in modelling, reasoning, thinking.

Transferable skills

Analytical, communication, problem-solving, self-study