Two state systems: the ammonia molecule
Today I will follow section 4.5 in the book. We will skip 4.6.
Please read 5.1 and 5.2 on Hilbert space and Dirac notation. We have already talked about this in class, but you should read the formal discussion in the book.
On Wednesday we will talk about the spectral theorem. Then read 5.4 on Measurement and physical quantity. We will then proceed to chapter 6 on two state systems. There is a very nice mpeg movie one of the authors (Jean Dalibard) giving a lecture on polarization:
Jean Dalibard leacturing on polarization
However, in the interest of time, the two-state system we will pursue is the ammonia molecule that we already started discussing. This will lead us quickly to the ammonia maser.
Here is some background reading for the next class.
The ammonia molecule as a cubit
Charles Townes nobel lecture on the maser
wikipedia entry on the maser Some current research on dual-nobel-gas masers
