===== Quantum Measurement and Spin =====


This course is centered around the quantum mechanical two state system. This
course is the first of the quantum paradigms and introduces students to
quantum mechanics by leading off with the postulates of quantum mechanics. A
central theme of this course is having students perform some simulated
experiments with Stern-Gerlach devices and interpret their results. Students
learn about quantum measurement, Dirac Notation, vector spaces, quantum
mechanical operators, commuting observables, incompatible observables, the
uncertainty principle, and time-evolution of quantum states. Spin 1 systems
are also introduced as a second context for exploring and interpreting
Stern-Gerlach experiments. The course ends with introductions to special
topics like Rabi oscillations, neutrino oscillations, magnetic resonance, the
EPR paradox, and quantum computing.
([[..:catalog:spcat|more...]])

**Textbook:**
[[texts:quantumbook:start|Quantum Mechanics: A Paradigms Approach]]----a
textbook that follows the paradigms approach.  The chapters that are relevant
to the Quantum Measurement and Spins course are: the appendix on linear
algebra: Linear Algebra and Matrices,
Chapter 1: Stern-Gerlach Experiments,
Chapter 2: Operators and Measurement,
Chapter 3: Schrödinger Time Evolution and
Chapter 4: Quantum Spookiness, and the
{{.:spinsguide.pdf|Instructor's Guide}}

**Sample Syllabus:** {{..:spins:425_syllabus_wi10.doc|}}

===== Course Contents =====

{{page>..:order:sporder}}


==== Activities Included ====

  * [[activities:courses:spindex|All activities]] for Spins
  * [[swbq:courses:spindex|All small whiteboard questions]] for Spins\\\\ //(What are [[strategy:smallwhiteboard:|SWBQs]]?)//