5 ECTS credits
135 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1004236BNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
The course starts with an introduction about quantum physics and a brief historical overview of the first attempts to describe systems of quantum particles where the theories of classical physics no longer hold.
Chapter 1 enlists the mathematical tools required for this course.
In chapter 2 we briefly discuss the classical description of the polarization of a photon.
Chapters 3 and 4 introduce the concepts of ‘quantum states’ and ‘operators.’ These concepts are then applied to the polarization of a photon.
Chapter 5 discusses the concept of 'measurement' in a quantum-physical context and introduces the postulates of quantum physics.
In chapter 6 we discuss the properties of an electron as a spin-1/2 particle.
Chapter 7 introduces the angular momentum of, amongst others, spin-1/2 particles.
In chapter 8 we study quantum-physical systems consisting of 2 particles where the concept of 'entanglement' comes into play.
Chapter 9 introduces the time evolution operator and the Schrödinger equation for quantum systems.
Chapter 10 provides the description of position and momentum of quantum particles.
In chapter 11 we study quantum particles at a potential step and in a potential well, and we describe the process of tunneling.
In chapter 12 we solve the problem of the quantum-physical harmonic oscillator using creation and annihilation operators.
In chapter 13 we look at the Schrödinger equation in three dimensions and consider the hydrogen atom as an illustration.
In chapter 14 we make use of time-independent perturbation theory to describe the Zeeman effect of the hydrogen atom in a static magnetic field.
In chapter 15 we employ time-dependent perturbation theory to describe the interaction between an atom and an electromagnetic field.
Chapter 16 provides a fully quantum-physical analysis of an electromagnetic field.
In chapter 17 we discuss the basic concepts of quantum information and quantum computing.
In chapter 18 we study the behavior of electrons in crystalline materials to determine the energy bands of semiconductor materials.
Most chapters comprise both theoretical concepts and practical exercises, as well as links to concrete applications in modern technology.
None
CONTEXT AND GENERAL AIM:
The scientific discipline of quantum physics emerged in the beginning of the 20th century, and has had a revolutionary impact on both science and technology. Examples hereof are the development of the transistor and the invention of the laser, both being essential building blocks in electronics and photonics, respectively. Also future-oriented technologies such as quantum computing/cryptography/imaging/sensing/... rely on the principles of quantum physics. The general aim of this course is that students will become able to explain and analyze the basic principles of quantum physics, that they can link these principles to modern technology where relevant, that they learn to construct and analyze the mathematical formalisms for the most important concepts, and that they are also able to apply these formalisms in practical exercises to solve quantum-physical problems.
This course prepares the students for the lectures on Elektronische componenten, Fotonica, Materiaalkunde, Lasers, Fysica van de optische materialen en structuren, etc.
This course contributes to the following domain specific learning outcomes
The Bachelor of Engineering has a broad fundamental knowledge and understanding of
1. the scientific principles and methodology of the sciences, including the specificity of their applications in engineering;
2. fundamental basic methods and theories to schematise and to model problems or processes.
The Bachelor of Engineering can
1. reason in a logical, abstract and critical manner;
The Bachelor of Engineering has
1. a creative, problem-solving, results-oriented and evidence-backed posture aimed at innovation;
2. a critical attitude towards its own results and those of others;
3. means acquired for the collection of knowledge aimed at lifelong learning.
COURSE-SPECIFIC END COMPETENCES:
The targeted end competences can be categorized as follows:
quantum states of e.g. polarization, wave-particle duality, interference,
operators, density operator, quantum measurements, postulates of quantum physics,
probability, commutation and compatibility, uncertainty principle, superposition,
spin, fermions and bosons, entanglement, non-locality, Schrödinger equation, Hamiltonian,
quantum-physical description of position and momentum, wave function, wave packet,
quantum particles at a potential step and in a potential well, tunneling,
quantum-physical description of a harmonic oscillator, creation and annihilation operators,
quantum-physical description of the hydrogen atom and the Zeeman effect, Pauli exclusion principle,
Interaction between an atom and an electromagnetic field, perturbation theory,
transition probability and Fermi golden rule,
quantum-physical description of an electromagnetic field, Schrödinger picture and Heisenberg picture,
quantum information, qubits, quantum cryptography, quantum computing,
Bloch wave function in Kronig-Penney potential, energy bands of semiconductors
EXAM:
The students are evaluated according to the end competences enlisted above in an oral exam with written preparation
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Other Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Other Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
None.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Engineering: Electronics and Information Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Engineering: verkort traject elektronica en informatietechnologie na vooropleiding industriële wetenschappen (only offered in Dutch)