Lectures Notes on Quantum Physics II

Abstract

These lecture notes are intended for a one-semester Quantum Physics II course at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, presuming familiarity with Quantum Physics I. The course follows a "spin first" approach, leaving behind any reliance on classical physics’ descriptions. In particular, the spin one-half system is used to illustrate the foundational principles of quantum mechanics, from the abstract mathematical formalism to the detailed treatment of composite systems and identical particles. A plethora of unrelated physical systems, ranging from simple molecules to neutrino oscillations, are formally brought down to the aforementioned spin one-half setup. Finally, the peculiar attributes of spin are used to extend our description of angular momentum, The final chapters provide a good collection of tools and approximation methods to deal with realistic quantum mechanical systems, covering topics such as bound states and relativistic quantum corrections.