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PH5015 Applications of Quantum Physics

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Normally only taken in the final year of an MPhys or MSci programme involving the School, or a postgraduate photonics programme.

Module description

Quantum physics is one of the most powerful theories in physics yet is at odds with our understanding of reality. In this module we show how laboratories around the world can prepare single atomic particles, ensembles of atoms, light and solid state systems in appropriate quantum states and observe their behaviour. The module includes studies of laser cooling, Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum dots and quantum computing. An emphasis throughout will be on how such quantum systems may actually turn into practical devices in the future.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( PASS PH3081 OR PASS PH3082 OR PASS MT2506 AND PASS MT2507 ) AND PASS PH3061 AND PASS PH3062

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 80%, Coursework = 20%

Re-assessment

Oral Re-assessment, capped at grade 7

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2 or 3 lectures or workshops, plus 5 hours student presentations over the semester

Scheduled learning hours

36

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Analyse atom鈥搇ight interaction using quantum models, including absorption and emission processes, Rabi oscillations, saturation, and the role of spontaneous emission in coherent and incoherent dynamics.
  • Derive and apply the principles of laser cooling and trapping of neutral atoms, including Doppler and sub-Doppler cooling, optical molasses, magneto-optical traps, and the fundamental temperature and velocity limits.
  • Explain the formation and experimental realisation of Bose鈥揈instein condensation, including magnetic trapping and evaporative cooling.
  • Explain the principles of ion trapping and quantum control in the context of quantum computing, including Paul trap operation, secular motion and micromotion, laser cooling and sideband cooling of ions, coherent qubit control via Rabi rotations, and the implementation of single- and two-qubit quantum gates.
  • Describe the quantum properties of light and their experimental manifestations, including single-photon states, photon statistics, coherence, and the distinction between classical and non-classical light.
  • Critically engage with current research in quantum physics, by reading and evaluating recent literature and presenting research topics clearly and accurately in oral and written formats.

Additional information from school

For guidance on AS and PH modules please consult the School Handbook at /physics-astronomy/students/ug/timetables-handbooks/