PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS: PARADIGM 5

PH 425: Spin and Quantum Measurement

Winter 2001 (February 5 - February 23)

Course Information

• Understand and analyze sequential Stern-Gerlach measurements on spin systems
• Analyze generic quantum problem using matrix mechanics
• Use time evolution to understand spin precession
• Analyze generic time dependent quantum problem using matrix mechanics

• Homework will be due each Friday.
• Practice problems will be assigned but neither collected nor graded. In these problems, you will (1) practice using the tools needed to do the homework, (2) derive properties that we will use in class, and (3) solve variations of the four key problems related to the course goals.
• Homework should be turned in before class on the day it is due. The solutions will be posted promptly, after which homework is considered late. If your homework is late, I may grade it if you have an acceptable excuse, I may scale it as exp(-N) where N is the number of days past due.
• The ground rules for the homework are:
  • 1. We strongly encourage students to work with each other, more advanced students, the TA, and the professor, when they get stuck on assignments. However, each student is expected to turn in independent assignments that show evidence of individual thought.
  • 2. Homework solutions from previous years are strictly off-limits. You are on your honor not to use them. Allow faculty to use their time interacting with you, rather than continually thinking up new assignments. Besides, if you don't do the work yourself, it will show up very clearly on exams.
  • 3. Sources must be appropriately documented. If you find a homework problem worked out somewhere (other than homework solutions from previous years), you may certainly use that resource, just make sure you reference it properly. If someone else helps you solve a problem, reference that too. In a research paper, the appropriate reference would be: Jane Doe, (private communication).

Course Evaluation:

• 45% Homework (3 x 15%)
• 5% Preface 2 work
• 50% Final    (Monday, February 26, 7:30 pm, Weniger 275)

• D. H. McIntyre, Spin and Quantum Measurement, (2001), class handout.
• J. S. Townsend, A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics, (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1992), copies of relevant sections in SPS room.
• R. L. Liboff, Introductory Quantum Mechanics, 3rd edition, (Addison-Wesley, Reading, 1998), optional.
• R. P. Feynman, R. B. Leighton and M. Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics, vol. 3, (Addison-Wesley, Reading, 1965), reference in SPS room and Valley Library.
• C. Cohen-Tannoudji, B. Diu, and F. Laloë, Quantum Mechanics, vol. 1, (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1977), reference in SPS room.

Students with documented disabilities who may need accomodations, who have any emergency medical information which the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should make an appointment with the instructor as early as possible, no later than the first week of the term.

Last Update: 12/19/02

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© David McIntyre, Department of Physics, Oregon State University, 2002.