(The url for this page is http://www.physics.ucsb.edu/~phys215A/f2019/ )
TR 9:30-10:45, SH 1430
Instructor: Professor S. Giddings, giddings@ucsb.edu
Office hours: M 230-330, or email to set up a time
TA: Adolfo Holguin
Office hours: W 2-330, Trailer 939, room 1008
Text: J.J. Sakurai and J. Napolitano, Modern Quantum Mechanics, 2nd edition.
Some other good books, on reserve in library:
D. Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (2nd ed)
K. Gottfried & T.-M. Yan, Quantum Mechanics: Fundamentals (2nd ed.)
L. D. Landau & E. M. Lifshitz, Quantum Mechanics (non-relativistic theory), 3rd ed.
L. I. Schiff, Quantum Mechanics (3rd ed.)
also,
S. Weinberg, Lectures on Quantum Mechanics ebook available at UCSB
Overview: This is the first quarter of graduate quantum mechanics. You should have completed a one year course in quantum mechanics at the junior/senior undergraduate level, and be familiar with the wavefunction, Hilbert space, Schrödinger's equation, energy eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, etc. You should have experience in solving time dependent and time-independent wave equations, familiarity with time evolution of a gaussian wavepacket with no applied forces, and ability to solve transmission/reflection problems. For example, mastering the material in Griffiths, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics should be a good indicator. It is also important that you be familiar with abstract vector spaces and linear algebra, special functions (in particular Legendre polynomials, spherical harmonics, and Bessel functions), Fourier transforms and delta functions, and the use of the residue theorem to calculate integrals. The book by Arfken, Mathematical Methods for Physicists, covers these topics at an adequate depth for this course; another good resource is Mathews and Walker, Mathematical Methods of Physics.
This first quarter will cover a significant fraction of chapters 1-4 of Sakurai and Napolitano, possibly with some supplementation.
You should expect approximately weekly homework.
Final: This will be a 24 hour take home, to be posted to the link below Monday Dec. 9 at 9:00am.
Grade: 60% homework, 40% final exam
Some fun reading beyond QM: Black holes, quantum information, and the foundations of physics (Physics Today, April 2013)
Important note: Treat everyone with respect; as explained in this document, we strive for an inclusive and respectful climate. If you have concerns about behavior, or feel that you or someone you know has experienced hazing or harassment, the linked document can help you do something about it.
Homework collaboration and resource policy: you may discuss the homework with your fellow students. However, the work you turn in should be your own work. You may also consult references such as other texts or online presentations for supplementary information. However, no searching for or use of solutions to specific homework problems is allowed.
Notes: bipartite systems, information, and entropy
Unless otherwise stated, homework is due in class on the due date.
Homework #1 Homework #1 Solutions
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Homework #9a 9b Homework #9 Solutions