Course Description

Welcome to "Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 2," an advanced course offered by StanfordOnline that delves deep into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and its applications in modern science and technology. This course is designed to build upon the foundational knowledge gained in "Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 1" or equivalent introductory quantum mechanics courses.

In this comprehensive program, you'll explore cutting-edge concepts in quantum mechanics, including spin, identical particles, the quantum mechanics of light, and the basics of quantum information. You'll also gain insights into the major ways quantum mechanics is written and used in modern practice, preparing you for a wide range of current applications and providing a solid foundation for more advanced topics.

What students will learn from the course

• Advanced quantum mechanics concepts and their applications
• Quantum mechanics in crystals and semiconductor devices
• Methods for solving one-dimensional problems
• Spin and identical particles in quantum systems
• Quantum mechanics of light and photons
• Interactions between different types of particles
• Mixed states and density matrix formalism
• Quantum measurement and quantum information basics
• Interpretation of quantum mechanics

Pre-requisites

Students should have completed a first course on quantum mechanics at the junior or senior college level. The "Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 1" course is an ideal prerequisite, but equivalent knowledge is sufficient. All materials from the previous course are provided as background resources.

What the course will cover

• Quantum mechanics in crystals (Bloch theorem, density of states, effective mass)
• One-dimensional problem-solving techniques (tunneling current, transfer matrix technique)
• Spin and identical particles (fermions, bosons)
• Quantum mechanics of light (photons, annihilation and creation operators)
• Particle interactions (stimulated and spontaneous emission)
• Mixed states and density matrix formalism
• Quantum measurement and quantum information (no-cloning theorem, quantum cryptography, entanglement)
• Quantum computing and teleportation basics
• Bell's inequalities and measurement in quantum mechanics
• Interpretation of quantum mechanics

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for:

• Science and engineering students looking to advance their understanding of quantum mechanics
• Researchers and professionals in fields such as physics, chemistry, and materials science
• Anyone with a strong background in quantum mechanics seeking to explore its modern applications

Real-world applications

The knowledge gained from this course has numerous practical applications:

1. Developing new semiconductor devices and nanostructures
2. Advancing optoelectronics and photonics technologies
3. Contributing to quantum computing and quantum information research
4. Improving quantum cryptography and secure communication systems
5. Enhancing understanding of material properties at the quantum level
6. Applying quantum mechanical principles to various scientific and technological fields

Syllabus

1. Quantum mechanics in crystals
2. Methods for one-dimensional problems
3. Spin and identical particles
4. Quantum mechanics of light
5. Interaction of different kinds of particles
6. Mixed states and the density matrix
7. Quantum measurement and quantum information
8. Interpretation of quantum mechanics