Exploring Quantum Physics

Charles W. Clark and Victor Galitski

An introduction to quantum physics with emphasis on topics at the frontiers of research, and
developing understanding through exercise.

Watch intro video

Next Session:
Mar 25th 2013 (8 weeks long) Sign Up
Workload: 5-7 hours/week

About the Course

Quantum physics is the foundation for much of modern technology, provides the framework for
understanding light and matter from the subatomic to macroscopic domains, and makes possible
the most precise measurements ever made. More than just a theory, it offers a way of looking at
the world that grows richer with experience and practice. Our course will provide some of that
practice and teach you "tricks of the trade" (not found in textbooks) that will enable you to solve
quantum-mechanical problems yourself and understand the subject at a deeper level.

The basic principles of quantum physics are actually quite simple, but they lead to astonishing
outcomes. Two examples that we will look at from various perspectives are the prediction of the
laser by Albert Einstein in 1917 and the prediction of antimatter by Paul Dirac in 1928. Both of
these predictions came from very simple arguments in quantum theory, and led to results that
transformed science and society. Another familiar phenomenon, magnetism, had been known
since antiquity, but only with the advent of quantum physics was it understood how magnets
worked, to a degree that made possible the discovery in the 1980s of ultrastrong rare-earth
magnets. However, lasers, antimatter and magnets are areas of vibrant research, and they are all
encountered in the new field of ultracold atomic physics that will provide much of the material of
Exploring Quantum Physics.

Richard Feynman once said, I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum
mechanics. We say, thats no reason not to try! What Feynman was referring to are some of the
spooky phenomena like quantum entanglement, which are incomprehensible from the
standpoint of classical physics. Even though they have been thoroughly tested by experiment,
and are even being exploited for applications such as cryptography and logic processing, they
still seem so counterintuitive that they give rise to extraordinary ideas such as the many-world
theory. Quantum physics combines a spectacular record of discovery and predictive success, with
foundational perplexities so severe that even Albert Einstein came to believe that it was wrong.
This is what makes it such an exciting area of science!

Recommended Background
The purpose of this course is to provide a graduate/advanced undergraduate level introduction to
quantum mechanics. The emphasis throughout the course will be on applications of general
techniques to specific quantum-mechanical problems and phenomena. Basic understanding of
calculus and linear algebra is essential for completing this course, and knowledge of differential
equations and Fourier transforms is valuable. Previous exposure to quantum mechanics would be
helpful, but is not assumed. The course will be self-contained and an introduction will be
provided.

Suggested Readings
Exploring Quantum Mechanics: A Collection of 700+ Solved Problems for Students, Lecturers,
and Researchers, by Victor Galitski, Boris Karnakov, Vladimir Kogan and Victor Galitski, Jr.
(Oxford University Press, to be published in 2012, ISBN 978-0199232727)

Course Format
The class will consist of lecture videos, individually between 8 and 20 minutes in length, with
approximately two hours of lectures per week. These contain 1-2 integrated quiz questions per
video. There will also be standalone homework assignments that are not part of video lectures.

FAQ
Will I get a certificate after completing this class?

Those who complete the course will get a Statement of Accomplishment.

About the Instructors

Charles W. ClarkUniversity of Maryland, College Park
Victor GalitskiUniversity of Maryland, College Park

Categories:
Physics