- The student can work with the abstract formulation of quantum mechanics
- The student is able to simplify complex quantum mechanical problems by means of symmetry arguments and approximation techniques
- The student has basic working knowledge on setting up and analyzing many-particle systems
- The student can apply the most frequently used approximation techniques (perturbation theory)
- The student is capable of estimating the response of a quantum system to time-dependent external influences
- The student understands the basics of non-relativistic scattering theory
- The student is familiar with concepts of modern theoretical physics including the gauge principle and path integrals
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This course is part of a chain of quantum mechanics courses, consisting of Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics 1a/b, Quantum Mechanics 2a/b and Quantum Mechanics 3.
The course “Quantum Mechanics 2” covers advanced concepts enabling us to understand quantum mechanical processes. On the foundational side, the role of unitary transformations and symmetries, the probabilistic nature of the theory, the framework for describing multi-particle systems, and Feynman’s formulation of quantum mechanics in terms of path integrals will be discussed. On the computational side, the course will introduce the most commonly used approximation techniques, including the WKB approximation, adiabatic approximation methods, and time-dependent perturbation theory. In terms of concrete applications the response of quantum systems to external influences (e.g., electromagnetic fields) and the non-relativistic scattering of particles will be studied explicitly.
It is highly recommended that students regularly attend the werkcolleges keep up with the assignments during the semester.
Instructional Modes
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Quantum Mechanics 1 (NWI-NB013B) or Quantum Mechanics 1 (NWI-MOL041)
Students coming from (NWI-MOL041) often experience Quantum Mechanics 2 (NWI-NB015C) as "more formal", since it also discusses derivations and the ideas underlying certain approximations.
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Written exam; bonus point on the basis of the problem session |
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The course language will be English. |
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