This is supplemental course information, designed to give you a fuller picture of the course and an expanded look at the topics covered. This is an unofficial document. The USC Course Catalog is the binding description of all university courses. Information such as books, materials covered, and the order of topics is subject to change. Please consult instructor for this semseter to get more upto date course information.
Catalog Data:
417 Applied Quantum Mechanics for Engineers (3) Introductory quantum mechanics and applications. Schrodinger equation, atomic and molecular processes, time-dependent perturbation theory. Applications to lasers, solid state devices and gaseous devices. Prerequisite: EE 330 or graduate standing.
Textbooks
- "The Feynman Lectures on Physics Volume 3", Feynman, Leighton and Sands, Addison Wesley
- "Notes on Quantum Mechanics", E. Fermi, U. Chicago Press
- Recommended for students without modern physics background: "An Introduction to Quantum Physics", French and Taylor, Norton
Course Coordinators:
Martin Gundersen, Professor of Electrical Engineering
Topics:
1. Wave nature of electron and Schrodinger equation.
2. Eigenvalue equations and operator mathematics
3. Hermitian operators
4. Uncertainty principle
5. Introductory examples of solving the Schroedinger equation: The infinite square well and the rigid rotor.
6. Basic examples and problems: Free electron, transmission through barriers, the infinite square well, angular momentum problems
7. The Hydrogen atom
8. Operator solutions for the harmonic oscillator and angular momentum
9. Time dependent perturbation theory
10. Fermi’s Golden rule, electron collision problems
11. Light: radiation, exact solutions for the hydrogen atom
12. Lasers: Stimulated emission, Einstein A and B coefficients, gain in a laser
13. Introduction to electronic properties of semiconductors
14. Quantum mechanics methods for calculations of binding in solids
Course Objectives:
To introduce the student to the mathematical techniques and application skills needed to analyze, design, and understand devices based on the quantum mechanical properties of electrons, including solid state devices, lasers, and other practical applications of quantum mechanics.
Course Outcomes:
The students will be able to:
1. Understand and apply Schrodinger’s equation to the functions of electrons in practical devices.
2. Write and solve Schrodinger’s equation for basic situations.
3. Understand the harmonic oscillator as it applies to molecules and solids.
4. Understand the Hydrogen atom and the light that it produces and absorbs.
5. Have knowledge of the structure of matter and solids as it is based on the valence binding of electron orbitals and states.
6. Understand and analyze problems using matrix and operator methods.
7. Understand and apply the properties of various mathematical solutions to differential equations including Legendre’s, Hermite’s, Laguerre’s.
8. Understand the basic properties of Fourier transforms and their use to solve differential equations and their role in the uncertainty principle.
9. Understand and calculate the properties of the radiation emitted by atoms and other appropriate examples.
Laboratory Projects: No laboratory projects.
Last Updated By : Martin Gundersen Date: June 16, 2004
