| 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) |