PHS2011

Physics: quantum concepts and technologies

(SCI)

Associate Professor Peter Wells

6 points + Three 1-hour lecture/problem classes and one 3-hour laboratory class per week + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: PHS1011, PHS1022 and MTH1030 + Prohibitions: PHS2051, ECE2903, PHS2081.

Synopsis: (1) Quantum Physics: the domain of quantum mechanics; particle and wave description; Schrödinger's equation, energy and momentum as operators, expectation values and stationary states; tunnelling; Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. (2) Atomic and nuclear physics: hydrogenic atoms; multi-electron atoms, binding energy and ionisation; atomic absorption spectrophotometry; vector model of the atom; x-rays; nuclear structure, radioactive decay; fission and fusion. (3) Solid State physics; the free electron theory; energy bands, conductors, insulators and semiconductors, Fermi level, Fermi-Dirac distribution; the solar cell, light emitting diodes; quantum well lasers, photodetectors.

Assessment: Examinations (3 x 1.5 hours): 60% + Practical work: 25% + Assignments: 15%