Topics in Modern Physics

Recommended Prerequisites

Calculus I, Linear Algebra and Analytical Geometry.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes with presentation of the concepts and examples of practical applications, using the black board and audiovisual means; theoretical-practical classes where the students solve practical problems, which require the understanding of theoretical concepts and promote critical reasoning; one practical class is devoted to implementing basic quantum circuits in practice with remote access to a real quantum computer. 

Learning Outcomes

To provide the students with the main concepts and tools required to explain, understand and predict phenomena em Classical Physics and Quantum Physics and their relationship with Quantum Computation. Acquiring competencies in synthesis and analysis, written communication, problem solving, critical reasoning, autonomous learning, work in a group, practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Classical Mechanics

Newton's laws. Equation of motion of a particle in one dimension. Description of the behaviour of a particle from the potential energy and the initial conditions. Classical harmonic oscillator.

2. Wave Mechanics

General equation of a wave in one dimension. Sinusoidal waves. Overlapping and interference. Standing waves. Beats. Difraction. Wave packets. Transmission of information. Electromagnetic waves.

3. Quantum Mechanics

Photoelectric effect. Wave-particle duality. Probabilistic interpretation of a particle's wave function. Schrödinger's equation in one dimension: examples. The measurement problem in Quantum Mechanics. Spin states as an example of a binary quantum system. Quantum entanglement.

4. Quantum Information and Computing

Relation between classical bits and quantum bits or qubits. Bloch sphere. Operations with qubits. Quantum encryption. Basic quantum circuits. Potentialities and implementation challenges.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Pedro Trancoso Gomes Rosa

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 10.0%
Frequency: 90.0%

Bibliography

• Jorge Dias de Deus, Mário Pimenta, Ana Noronha, Teresa Peña, Pedro Brogueiro (2000) - Introdução à Física, 2ª edição, McGraw-Hill.

• Kennneth Krane (1996) - Modern Physics, 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

• Helena Vieira Alberto, "Informação Quântica - Uma introdução" - Notas letivas de Tópicos de Física Moderna

• Michael A. Nielsen and Isaac L. Chuang (2010) - Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, Cambridge University Press.

• Vitaly Chepel (2006) - “Apontamentos de Tópicos de Física Moderna”, DF-FCTUC.