This course continues the study of Quantum Mechanics, building upon the foundations presented in PHY 490, Quantum Mechanics. Topics covered typically include identical particles, degenerate and nondegenerate time independent perturbation theory, the variational principle, the WKB approximation, time dependent perturbation theory, the emission and absorption of radiation, spontaneous emission, and scattering and partial wave analysis. These theories are applied to the fine structure of hydrogen, the Zeeman effect, hyperfine splitting, the ground state of helium, the hydrogen molecule ion and other systems. (One course chosen from PHY 507, 509, 511, or PHY 520 is required for the major.) Prerequisite: PHY 490. Spring, even-numbered years.
Prerequisite Courses