ELEC3705 - Fundamentals of Quantum Engineering
Study Level and UNSW Handbook
Undergraduate - ELEC3705
Requisite Courses
Pre - MATH2099
Pre - PHYS1231
Contents
Overview
This course offers a modern and accessible introduction to the laws of Quantum Mechanics and their use in the developing field of quantum technologies. The advancement of nanotechnology has enabled the creation of devices on an atomic scale, where the principles of Quantum Mechanics become crucial. The course utilizes a matrix-based approach and allows students to use computer simulations to comprehend complex quantum devices. The primary objectives of the course include: understanding and describing the behavior of quantum systems and devices, recognizing the potential of quantum phenomena in revolutionary systems such as quantum computers, quantum-enhanced sensors, and secure quantum communication channels, and gaining the background knowledge needed to comprehend the functioning of current quantum technology. The prerequisites for the course are minimal and provide a foundation for more advanced study in the theory and application of Quantum Mechanics.
Concepts
Quantum Mechanics
Importance and Career Prospects
Fundamentals
History
Photoelectric Effect
The photoelectric effect was discovered by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 when he observed that light changes the voltage required for sparking to occur between two charged metal electrodes.
Planck-Einstein Relation
The photoelectric effect can be explained using the Planck-Einstein relation. The Planck-Einstein relation states that the photon energy, \(E\) , is proportional to its frequency, \(\nu\) . This relationship is mathematically respresented below:
Frequency:
\[E=\hbar\omega\]
\[\mathrm{p}=\hbar\mathrm{k}\]
or Angular Frequency:
\[E=h\nu\]
\[\mathrm{p}=\frac{h}{\mathrm{\lambda}}\]
where \(h\approx6.626\times10^{-34}\ \mathrm{J.s}\) (shortened value) and \(\hbar=\frac{h}{2\pi}\approx1.054\times10^{-34}\ \mathrm{J.s.rad^{-1}}\) which is the "reduced" Plank constant. The main idea behind this relationship is that a photon is a discrete packet of energy. However, at the same time, light is also an electromagnetic wave.
Double-slit Experiment
Wave-particle Duality
Wave Function
Wave Equation
Uncertainty Principle
The Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is defined as:
\begin{equation}
\sigma_x\sigma_p\geq\frac{\hbar}{2}
\end{equation}
where
\(\sigma_{x,p}\)
is the position's,
\(x\)
, and momentum's,
\(p\)
, standard deviation respectively. And where
\(\hbar\)
is Plank's constant.
The mathematical equation arise from the fundamental limitation to the variances of a particle's position and momentum that can be simultaneously measured. In PHYS1231 - Higher Physics 1B , the uncertainty principle has been defined as "fundamentally impossible to make simultaneous measurements of a particle’s position and momentum with infinite accuracy."
Quantum Superposition
Spin
Postulates
Quantum Mechanics in Real Space
Quantum Tunnelling
Position and momentum
Qubits
Coupling and Entanglement
Statistics of Identical Quantum Particles
Transition from Atoms to Solids
Quantum Transpost of Electrical Charge
Single-electron Devices
Recommended Resources
Course Recommended
Textbook
- Claude Cohen-Tannoudji, Bernard Diu & Frank Laloe. Quantum Mechanics. Edn. 1 Vol. 1 (Wiley, 1991).
- Supriyo Datta. Quantum Transport: Atom to Transistor. Edn. 2 (Cambridge University Press, 2005).
- David A. B. Miller. Quantum mechanics for scientists and engineers. Edn. 1 (Cambridge University Press, 2008).
- Dennis M. Sullivan. Quantum mechanics for electrical engineers. Edn. 1 (IEEE Press, 2012)