Statistical & quantic physics [ LMAPR1491 ]

> https://icampus.uclouvain.be/claroline/course/index.php?cid=MAPR1491

LFSAB1101, LFSAB1102, LFSAB1201, LFSAB1202, LFSAB1301, LFSAB1401, LFSAB1106, LFSAB1203

Quantum physics : non-relativistic quantum mechanics postulates ; measure theory ; hydrogen atom ; polyelectronic atoms ; harmonic oscillator ; spin ; variational principle (Ritz) ; formation of the chemical bonds.

Statistical physics : basic notions, the kinetic theory of gases, the different statistical ensembles (microcanonical, canonical and grand-canonical), and quantum fluids (fermions and bosons)

Contribution of the course to the program objectives

Axis Nº1 :1.1

Specific learning outcomes of the course

At the end of their classes, the students are expected to be able:

1. To explain the postulated and basic equations of the non-relativistic QM including the measure theory.
2. To apply MQ to the treatment of different simple systems.
3. To compute the mean values of simple observables for wavefunctions with one electron, their fluctuations, to check Heisenberg uncertainty relationship, and to build the matrix representation of an operator.
4. To build a molecular orbital diagram for a simple specific molecule, and to deduce from it the physical characteristics (bond order, total spin).
5. To explain the basic principles of statistical physics.
6. To compute the thermodynamical properties of a perfect gas, and to use Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics.
7. To work with the different statistical formalisms : microcanonical (e.g. study lattice specific heat - Einstein model), canonical (e.g. Debye model), and  grand-canonical (e.g. to derive Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics)
8. To predict the temperature-dependent behaviour of systems (specfic heat, internal energy, mean number of particules, superfuildity, superconductivity) thanks to statistical ensembles. 

The students are evaluated individually, in a written examination, on the basis of the above-mentioned learning outcomes (questions will focus on their knowledge, their understanding, their ability to apply the concepts explained during the lecture, the latter being developed during the exercise sessions). Concerning quantum fluids, a tasting session is organized.

Ex cathedra lectures and exercices sessions.

1 Quantum physics

1.1. Introduction/Reminders
1.2. Postulates
1.3. Operators
1.4. Measure theory (including Heisenberg uncertainty principle)
1.5. Hydrogen atom
1.6. Polyelectronic atoms
1.7. Matrix mechanics
1.8. Harmonic oscillator (creation and annihilation operators)
1.9. Spin
1.10. Variational principle
1.11. Tight-binding method (understanding of the electronic structure and cohesion of diatomic molecules)

2 Statistical Physics

2.1. Introduction: Elements of Statistical Physics
2.2. Kinetic Theory of Gases and , and billiard game theory
2.3. Microcanonical Ensemble
2.4. Canonical Ensemble
2.5. Grand-Canonical Ensemble
2.6. Quantum Fluids

On icampus, the students will find the supporting slides or syllabi.

Several books may also be found at the BST