Quantum mechanics occupies a very unusual place among theories: it contains classical mechanics as a limiting case, yet at the same time it requires its own formulation. This course serves as an entry to the foundations of quantum mechanics that are relevant to the properties of materials. We build up our foundation of quantum mechanics from simple principles, and then apply them to understanding of atoms and the periodic table. From there then put atoms together in arrangements in solids and investigate how materials properties may emerge. Along the way we will encounter modern applications of quantum mechanics relating to scattering, measurement theory, and quantum information processing.
4 units · Letter (ABCD/NP)
Quantum mechanics occupies a very unusual place among theories: it contains classical mechanics as a limiting case, yet at the same time it requires its own formulation. This course serves as an entry to the foundations of quantum mechanics that are relevant to the properties of materials. We build up our foundation of quantum mechanics from simple principles, and then apply them to understanding of atoms and the periodic table. From there then put atoms together in arrangements in solids and investigate how materials properties may emerge. Along the way we will encounter modern applications of quantum mechanics relating to scattering, measurement theory, and quantum information processing.
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.