Mar 29, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2018-2019 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2018-2019 [Archived Catalog]

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PHYS 4510 - Quantum Mechanics I


Classical mechanics: from Lagrangian to Hamiltonian, single particle formalism, small oscillations, normal modes, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, Hamilton’s equation, review of wave mechanics: Schroedinger equation, barrier tunneling, quantum wells. Mathematical foundation of quantum mechanics: ket space, representations, observables, eigenstates and diagonization, quantum postulates, application of quantum postulates to two-level systems, harmonic oscillators, creation and annihilation operators. Quantization of angular momentum, spherical harmonics, rotation operators, Landau levels, central force: hydrogen atom. Path Integral formalism for quantum theory. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and PHYS 6510.


Prerequisites/Corequisites: Prerequisite: PHYS 4100 or equivalent.

When Offered: Fall term annually.



Credit Hours: 4



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