Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will be able to solve simple examples of Schrödinger's wave equation; appreciate the role of quantum mechanics to physical systems; analyse simple diode and transistor circuits; design and analyse simple operational amplifier circuits; calculate impedances in polar and rectangular forms for series and parallel circuits; understand the methods for analysing AC circuits and bridge circuits; use Gauss's law and Faraday's law for simple physical systems; explain the various terms that arise in Maxwell's equations; perform a series of measurements on experiments related to the above topics; write up experimental reports presenting results and analysing and discussing them.
Synopsis This subject comprises four units. (1) Introduction to quantum mechanics: Inadequacies of classical mechanics. Particles and wave description. Schrödinger's equation, energy and momentum, expectation values and stationary states. Simple one-dimensional examples, tunnelling, particles in a box. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. (2) Analog electronics: Semiconductor physics, minority and majority carriers. Clipping and clamping circuits. Bi-polar junction transistor, field effect transistor. Small-signal amplifiers, gain and feedback. Operational amplifier model, simple linear and switching operational amplifier circuits. (3) AC theory: Complex impedance and phasor notation. Series and parallel resonance circuits, Q factor and bandwidth. AC bridge circuits and their applications. Energy and power in AC circuits. Energy density in capacitors and inductors. The transformer. (4) Electricity and magnetism: Development of Maxwell's equations (Gauss', Ampère's, and Faraday's laws) as differential equations. Displacement current. Polarisation in dielectric and ferromagnetic materials. Vectors P, D, M, and H. Permeability and permittivity of isotropic media.
Assessment Examinations (4 x 1.5 hours): 67% + Laboratory work: 33%