PH23520 - OPTICS AND QUANTUM PHYSICS

Module Identifier	PH23520
Module Title	OPTICS AND QUANTUM PHYSICS
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Professor Neville Greaves
Semester	Semester 2
Other staff	Dr Geraint O Thomas, Dr Rudolf Winter, Dr Xing Li
Pre-Requisite	Core Physics Modules at Level 1
Co-Requisite	None
Mutually Exclusive	None
Course delivery	Lecture	30 Hours
	Seminars / Tutorials	4 Hours 4
	Practical	Incorporated into PH25010, PH24520 and PH25520
Assessment	Semester Exam	2 Hours	70%
	Semester Assessment	(Example sheets 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)	30%

Learning outcomes

Describe the basic principles of geometric and physical optics, their use in optical instruments and techniques and their

Understand diffraction and the limits to resolution for optical instruments as well as uncertainty at the quantum level.
Appreciate the similarities and differences in the physics of the Wave Equation and of Schrödinger’s Equation.
Follow the concepts that lead to the explanation of discrete bound states, scattering and tunneling on the smallest scales,

Describe the basic principles of polarisation and wave propogation in uniaxial crystals.
Appreciate the concept of spin in understanding magnetic properties of materials.
Answer simple numerical problems in optics at the macroscopic level and in quantum mechanics at the microscopic level.

Brief description

Building on Year 1 20 credit modules on Electromagnetism, Oscillations and Waves (PH12020) and on Dynamics Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (PH14020), this Year 2 20 credit module develops the classical physics of Optics that operates on macroscopic dimensions in conjunction with the Quantum Physics of the microscopic world. The first part of the course is devoted to the principles of geometric and physical optics which are introduced alongside the principles of polarisation and birefringence. These are illustrated with reference to simple optical instruments and techniques. The principles of diffraction are described and the limits these set on the optical resolution that is measured. Next the mathematical equivalence and physical distinction between the Wave Equation and Schröndinger’s Equation are emphasised at the macroscopic and quantum level. Photons, electrons and neutrons are described and the consequences of the Uncertainty Principle emphasised. Quantisation, scattering and tunneling phenomena are covered in the context of the particle in a well and the simple harmonic oscillator. The quantum solution of the hydrogen atom is given and the concept of spin is extended to the understanding of magnetic properties. Throughout the module illustrative numerical problems are given relating to optics and wave phenomena and quantum mechanics and wave-particles.

Content

Reading Lists

Books
** Essential Reading
P.A. Tipler. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. W. H. Freeman 1999 1-57259-673-2
Jenkins and White. Fundamentals of Optics. ISBN 0-07-385346-0
** Recommended Text
Anthony J.G. Hey & Patrick Walters. The Quantum Universe. Cambridge University Press 0521318459
J.E. House. Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics. Academic Press 1998 ISBN 0123567750