A century ago, quantum mechanics helped scientists make sense of the surprising behaviors of atoms and light. Today, a new quantum revolution is taking place involving the design and creation of complex quantum systems with behaviors that are altering the ways we think about computing, measurement, and information. This course will help students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds understand the basic principles of quantum mechanics and how they are affecting science, technology, and society. The course will pay particular attention to the broader societal discourse around “quantum” in both popular media and academic settings. This course will provide an introduction to principles of quantum mechanics, hardware platforms, and applications of quantum technology. Two state systems, such as photon polarization, will be used to introduce mathematical formalism including Dirac notation for quantum states, operators, observables, measurements, composite systems and entanglement. The course will overview different platforms for physically realizing quantum bits (qubits) and operations on quantum bits. Real-world effects on quantum systems, including coherence and decoherence and reducing classical noise in quantum hardware will be discussed. Applications will include quantum sensors and their applications in engineering and science and the potential of quantum simulations for advancing chemistry and material science.

This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.

This course is the second in a two-semester sequence intended to familiarize students with research activities, practices, ethics in university, government, industry, and other professional research environments and to introduce students to research tools and skill sets important in various professional environments. The course is intended to help students develop a broad awareness of current professional and funding opportunities. As part of the course, students are expected to attend research seminars sponsored by the School of Physics and Astronomy, to participate in regular journal club offerings, to engage in outreach activities, and to participate in visits to regional laboratories and companies. The course provides training in proposal writing and presentation skills. Credits earned in this course apply to research requirements.

This course explores the fundamental nature of electromagnetic radiation. This course will introduce the student to the second quantized description of light with special attention to its role in a modern understanding of and far reaching utility in emerging technologies. Starting with an appropriate formulation for the quantum mechanical electromagnetic radiation field, we will study quantum mechanical models for interactions with matter, and we will test these models through a series of experiments.

Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.

Graduate-level research by the candidate on an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the research advisor.