PH5015
Applications of Quantum Physics
2019-2020
15
7
SCQF level 11
1
Academic year(s): 2019-2020
SCOTCAT credits : 15
ECTS credits : 7
Level : SCQF level 11
Semester: 1
Availability restrictions: Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys or MSci programme involving the School, or a postgraduate photonics programme.
Planned timetable:
Quantum physics is one of the most powerful theories in physics yet is at odds with our understanding of reality. In this module we show how laboratories around the world can prepare single atomic particles, ensembles of atoms, light and solid state systems in appropriate quantum states and observe their behaviour. The module includes studies of laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum dots and quantum computing. An emphasis throughout will be on how such quantum systems may actually turn into practical devices in the future. The module will include assessment based on tutorial work and a short presentation on a research topic.
Pre-requisite(s): Undergraduate - Before taking this module you must ( pass PH3081 or pass PH3082 or pass MT2506 and pass MT2507 ) and pass PH3061 and pass PH3062
Weekly contact: 3 lectures/tutorials, 1 x 3-hour research lab visit, 3 hours student presentations during the semester.
Scheduled learning hours: 30
Guided independent study hours: 120
As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%
As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 80%
Practical examinations : 10%
Coursework: 10%
Re-assessment: Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7
Module coordinator: Dr D Cassettari
Module teaching staff: Dr D Cassettari
Quantum mechanics remains one of the most powerful but one of the least understood theories in physics. Typically students gain a good grounding in the theoretical and philosophical aspects of this topic but relatively little exposure to how quantum physics may be implemented in the laboratory and how important key applications are likely to be in future. The aim of the course is to build upon students' knowledge of quantum physics and atomic physics to demonstrate how we can perform quantum mechanics on atoms, ions and photons in the laboratory.
Aims & Objectives
Learning Outcomes
In the first half of the module students should gain a detailed understanding of
In the second half of the module students should gain a detailed understanding of
This knowledge and understanding is intended to allow students to appreciate and work with physical principles behind experiments using quantum physics using atoms, ions, and photons. They should be able to apply this knowledge to real world problems. They should be able to comment on and evaluate the opportunities and limitations offered by atoms, ions, and photons in quantum physics experiments, and in particular be able to judge the applicability of various systems for experiments in this field. They should be able to use their understanding of the links between the quantum and classical worlds to aid their design of experiments.
Synopsis
The course begins with laser cooling and Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) explaining basic laser cooling and experimental methods, Doppler theory, sub Doppler cooling, and magneto-optical traps. Quantum mechanical complementarity (which-way experiments). Evaporative cooling, magnetic trapping. Signatures of BEC and Fermi gases. Matter wave interference. Wave-particle duality studies. Charged ion trapping. Studies of laser cooled ions in traps. Quantum jumps. Atom lasers.
The second part of the course explores the statistics of light: First and second order correlation functions, sub and super Poissonian light. Photon bunching and antibunching. Single photon sources. Photon BEC.
Additional information on continuous assessment etc.
Please note that the definitive comments on continuous assessment will be communicated within the module. This section is intended to give an indication of the likely breakdown and timing of the continuous assessment.
5% of the module mark comes from each of two sets of work on tutorial sheet questions. The likely hand-in times are in week 7 and week 9. In the later parts of the semester students will choose a relevant scientific paper to read and to write a “News and Views” article about it in a style similar to that seen in the journal “Nature” plus an associated presentation shortly afterwards. This contributes 10% to the module mark.
Recommended Books
Please view University online record:
http://resourcelists.st-andrews.ac.uk/modules/ph5015.html
General Information
Please also read the general information in the School's honours handbook that is available via st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/staff_students/timetables.php.