Introduction to Quantum Physics

This course is a simplified introduction to quantum physics.
We will begin by providing a historical overview of the early days of quantum mechanics: atomic emission spectra, blackbody radiation (we will explore the logic behind this term), the photoelectric effect, etc.
A simplified introduction to Fourier transforms will help us understand the relationship between spectral line width and time evolution at first,
and later on, help us understand Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle.
A significant portion of the course will be devoted to matter waves, through the Schrödinger equation, in very simple special cases.
Finally, we will conclude with a few aspects of magnetism (which is, of course, quantum in nature).

1. Provide an understanding of modern physics: photons, matter waves, coherence, magnetism, atoms, etc...
2. Introduce and apply the Fourier transform to the optical spectrum and EM waves on the one hand, and to matter waves and wave packets on the other
3. Provide the basic calculations for problems in modern physics.

Classical Mechanics

Wave Physics

Complex, differential, and integral calculus,

^Second-Order Ordinary Differential Equations with Constant Coefficients

100% CT

1. The photon, the first of the quanta:

- Planck's law (blackbody radiation),

- Spectra of rays

- Photoelectric effect

1. Fourier transform, wave packets
2. Waves of Matter

- Schrödinger equation (1D)

- potential steps (reflection, transmission)

- potential barriers (tunnel effect)

- potential well (confinement)

1. Heisenberg's Inequalities
2. Magnetism (spin)

CM: 6:00 p.m.

TD: 6:00 p.m.