University of Colorado Boulder

Approximation Methods

5,683 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

14 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

14 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • Distinguish non-degenerate and degenerate cases and use appropriate methods.

  • Perform calculations using the time-independent perturbation theory.

  • Describe absorption and stimulated emission processes.

  • Obtain approximate solutions using the variational method.

Details to know

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Assessments

3 quizzes

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Quantum Mechanics for Engineers Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course

In this module we will introduce the course on approximation methods commonly used in quantum mechanics and then discuss time-independent perturbation theory. We will first discuss non-degenerate perturbation theory and derive useful formulas for the first- and second-order corrections. We will then discuss degenerate perturbation theory. We will also discuss specific examples where the various perturbation methods are used - Stark effect, fine structure and Zeeman effect.

What's included

8 videos4 readings1 quiz2 discussion prompts

In this module, we will introduce interaction picture and derive time evolution equations. After discussing a simple but illuminating example of two-state system, we develop time-dependent perturbation theory and discuss the probability of transitions between quantum states induced by external perturbation.

What's included

5 videos3 readings1 quiz1 peer review

This module covers several non-perturbative approximation methods. They are the tight binding method, variational method and the use of finite basis set.

What's included

3 videos3 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

Instructor

Wounjhang Park
University of Colorado Boulder
6 Courses50,628 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Electrical Engineering

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

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