Calendar

LEC # TOPICS KEY DATES
1 Introduction: mathematical basis for quantum mechanics  
2 Postulates of quantum mechanics  
3 Two-level systems Problem set 1 out
4 Time evolution  
5 Schrodinger / Heisenberg / interaction representation; wavefunction Problem set 1 due
6 Multi-particle systems: tensor product spaces Problem set 2 out
7 Entanglement  
8 Mixed states and the density matrix  
9 Entropy and thermal states Problem set 2 due
10 Open quantum dynamics: introduction and Krauss forms Problem set 3 out
11 Liouville equation and Lindblad formalism  
12 Liouville equation and Lindblad formalism (cont.)  
13 Introduction to the harmonic oscillator Problem set 3 due
  Review for midterm exam (lectures 1–12) Problem set 4 out
  Midterm exam  
14 Number and coherent states  
15 The electromagnetic field Problem set 4 due
16 Quantized fields Problem set 5 out
17 Time-independent perturbation theory  
18 Time-independent perturbation theory (cont.)  
19 Time-dependent perturbation theory Problem set 5 due
20 Stimulated and spontaneous emission Problem set 6 out
21 Interaction of the EM field with atoms  
22 Scattering theory  
23 Scattering examples Problem set 6 due
24 Applications  
  Review for final exam (lectures 13–24)