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227-0311-00L 6 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-MATL

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Qubits, Electrons, Photons

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Tomaso Zambelli

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:01:33

Abstract

In-depth analysis of the quantum mechanics origin of nuclear magnetic resonance (qubits, two-level systems), of LASER (quantization of the electromagnetic field, photons), and of electron transfer (from electrochemistry to photosynthesis).

Objective

Beside electronics nanodevices, D-ITET is pushing its research in the fields of NMR (MRI), electrochemistry, bioelectronics, nano-optics, and quantum information, which are all rationalized in terms of quantum mechanics. Starting from the axioms of quantum mechanics, we will derive the fascinating theory describing spin and qubits, electron transitions and transfer, photons and LASER: quantum mechanics is different because it mocks our daily Euclidean intuition! In this way, students will work out a robust quantum mechanics (theoretical!!!) basis which will help them in their advanced studies of the following masters: EEIT (batteries), Biomedical Engineering (NMR, bioelectronics), Quantum Engineering, Micro- and Nanosystems. IMPORTANT: "qubits" from the point of view of NMR (and NOT from that of quantum computing!).

Content

• Lagrangian and Hamiltonian: Symmetries and Poisson Brackets • Postulates of QM: Hilbert Spaces and Operators • Heisenberg’s Matrix Mechanics: Hamiltonian and Time Evolution Operator • Density Operator • Spin: Qubits, Bloch Equations, and NMR • Entanglement • Symmetries and Corresponding Operators • Schrödinger's Wave Mechanics: Electrons in a Periodic Potential and Energy Bands • Harmonic Oscillator: Creation and Annihilation Operators • Identical Particles: Bosons and Fermions • Quantization of the Electromagnetic Field: Photons, Absorption and Emission, LASER • Electron Transfer: Marcus Theory via Born-Oppenheimer, Franck-Condon, Landau-Zener

Resources

Lecture Notes

No lecture notes because the proposed textbooks together with the provided supplementary material are more than exhaustive!!!!!! I am using OneNote. All lectures and exercises will be broadcast via ZOOM and correspondingly recorded (link in Moodle) !!!!!

Literature

• J.S. Townsend, "A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics", Second Edition, 2012, University Science Books • M. Le Bellac, "Quantum Physics", 2011, Cambridge University Press • (Lagrangian and Hamiltonian) L. Susskind, G. Hrabovsky, "Theoretical Minimum: What You Need to Know to Start Doing Physics", 2014, Hachette Book Group USA Supplementary material will be uploaded in Moodle. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ + (as rigorous and profound presentation of the mathematical framework) G. Dell'Antonio, "Lectures on the Mathematics of Quantum Mechanics I", 2015, Springer + (as account of those formidable years) G. Gamow, "Thirty Years that Shook Physics", 1985, Dover Publications Inc.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: none (closed book)

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Qubits, Electrons, Photons	Wed 10:15-11:00 (HG D 3.2) Thu 10:15-11:00 (ETZ E 9) Fri 13:15-14:00 (ETZ E 9)	3 h weekly
exercise	Qubits, Electrons, Photons	Wed 11:15-12:00 (HG D 3.2) Thu 11:15-12:00 (ETZ E 9)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- 5th Semester: Third Year Core Courses (Can be freely combined, a list of recommendations is available under )
Biomedical Engineering Master
- Track Courses
  - Bioimaging
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioimaging track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Bioelectronics
    - Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
  - Molecular Bioengineering
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Molecular Bioengineering track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
  - Medical Physics
    - Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
Micro- and Nanosystems Master
- Core Courses
  - Elective Core Courses
Energy Science and Technology Master
- Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
  - Electrical Power Engineering
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Science & Technology of the Small (MaP Doctoral School)
Quantum Engineering Master
- Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)