Quantum Theory 2022/2023:


The course comprises of 27+1 lectures. There are 3 problem sheets for MT, (the last one should be done over the Christmas vacation). A collection paper for week 0 of HT 2023 will be made available to tutors.




Synopsis

1. Amplitudes and quantum states
2. Dirac notation and the energy representation
3. Operators and observables
4. Compatible observables; expectation values
5.
Position representation; Heisenberg uncertainty relation
6.
The time-dependent Schroedinger equation;
7. Schroedinger equation in the position representation
8. Infinite square well; Finite square well
9. Split infinite square wells and tunneling
10. Potential step; resonant tunneling and Breit-Wigner cross section
11. Harmonic oscillator I
12. Harmonic oscillator II
13. Transformations and symmetries in QM; Translations.
14. Good quantum numbers and symmetries; Parity
15. Rotations; Heisenberg picture and Heisenberg equations of motion;
16. Orbital angular momentum I
17. Orbital angular momentum II
18. Angular momentum and magnetic moments
19. Stern-Gerlach experiment and spin
20. Composite systems I
21. Composite systems II
22. Composite systems III
23. Addition of angular momentum I
24. Addition of angular momentum II
25. EPR experiment and Bell inequalities
26. Hydrogen Atom I
27. Hydrogen Atom II


Books

I find the following books useful:
  • The Physics of Quantum Mechanics: James Binney and David Skinner (OUP) [co-authored by a previous lecturer of this course; I will follow it fairly closely.]
  • Modern Quantum Mechanics: J.J. Sakurai (Addison-Wesley) [clear, modern and concise but perhaps a bit too advanced.]
  • The Principles of Quantum Mechanics: P. A. M. Dirac (OUP) [a classic by the great man himself, first published in 1930 and still one of the best treatments out there.]
  • Quantum Mechanics: Albert Messiah (Dover) [book I used as an undergrad; not bad.]
  • Quantum Mechanics: L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz (Elsevier) [if you ever want to pass the "Theoretical Minimum" this is the book for you.]
  • Quantum Mechanics: Eugen Merzbacher (Wiley) [someone nicked my copy, I want it back!]

Ask your tutor for further recommendations.

Problem Sheets
Lecture Notes (these aim to be self-contained and comprehensive)