Course title
A00310003
Micro Scale Mechanical Engineering

OKAMURA Tetsuji

TSUNODA Kazumi

SUEKANE Tetsuya
Course description
With emphasis on engineering applications, we will discuss the fundamentals of physics in both the quantum and statistical mechanics fields. Quantum mechanics is in charge of Professor Suekane and statistical mechanics is in charge of Professor Okamura, at Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Quantum mechanics is the study that deals with phenomena on the micro scale. That is, it is the world such as molecules that are microscopic molecules, electrons and atoms that constitute them, and even photons. With the development of quantum mechanics, atomic structures were revealed and semiconductors and lasers were made. Such a microscopic view of the world is an essential concept for future nanotechnology. In the lecture, I will try to be able to understand the world unique to quantum mechanics while always clarifying the difference from classical theory. Since an electron is a particle called a quantum and a substance with duality that is a wave, it is learned that the position and energy can be prescribed by the Schrodinger's wave equation. As a result, we understand characteristic examples such as the tunnel effect where electrons pass through the wall that can not pass in classical theory, and the vibration phenomenon where only discrete energy is allowed. Learn about the structure of hydrogen atoms, one of the ground breaking success examples of quantum mechanics. We also learn the concept of observation in such a micro world.
In statistical mechanics, we learn the nature of a group. For example, each molecule is moving freely to and fro. What happens to the overall physical characteristics of a large number of molecules? If the temperature changes, how does the feature change with time?
Purpose of class
Emphasis on understanding basic concepts in quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, and aiming to acquire the ability to solve basic problems. Furthermore, students will be able to explain basic physical phenomena that can be explained by quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.
Goals and objectives
  1. To understand that the position and energy of electrons can be described by the wave equation, and to be able to explain the nature of solutions under various potentials.
  2. To understand the observation in quantum theory and tunneling effects and grasp the current state of application to nanotechnology.
  3. To be able to understand the physical meaning of the mean and standard deviation characterizing statistical data.
  4. To be able to understand basic concepts such as absolute temperature and entropy, which are necessary for thermodynamics.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

Mid-term exam Final exam Total.
1. 50% 50% 100%
2. 0%
Total. 50% 50% -
Evaluation method and criteria
Quantum mechanics is rated 100% in the mid-term exam, and statistical mechanics is rated 100% in the final exam.
We make a final evaluation with a total of 100 points with 50 full marks each.
The acceptance criteria (60%) is that, for a given problem, students can select the principle to be applied and can determine the solution and can calculate to reach the final solution generally correct.
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Particulateness of light and wave nature of electrons, Schroedinger's wave equation Read the syllabus 190minutes
2. Wave reflection and transmission / Tunnel effect Review the previous class contents and prepare the materials for this time 190minutes
3. Vibrational phenomena in quantum mechanics Review the previous class contents and prepare the materials for this time 190minutes
4. Hydrogen atom Review the previous class contents and prepare the materials for this time 190minutes
5. Uncertainty principle and nanotechnology Review the previous class contents and prepare the materials for this time 190minutes
6. Latest topics such as quantum computers Review the previous class contents and prepare the materials for this time 190minutes
7. Mid-term exam and commentary Review the class contents from 1st to the 6th 190minutes
8. When can we use statistics? / Binomial distribution Read the syllabus 190minutes
9. Mean value / standard deviation Review the previous class contents 190minutes
10. State number Review the previous class contents 190minutes
11. What is absolute temperature? / Randomness and Entropy Review the previous class contents 190minutes
12. Boltzmann factor / Average energy of molecule Review the previous class contents 190minutes
13. Boltzmann distribution and Maxwell distribution Review the previous class contents 190minutes
14. Final exam and commentary Review the class contents from the 8th to the 13th 190minutes
Total. - - 2660minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class
Textbooks and reference materials
原康夫 著 「岩波基礎物理シリーズ5 量子力学」 岩波書店
久保亮五 監訳 「バークレー物理学コース5 統計物理 上、下」 丸善
Statistical physics, Berkeley physics course –Volume 5
Prerequisites
To be instructed in the first class.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • 12:30-13:10 at a lecture room
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates a basic self-management skills
Active-learning course
N/A
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
Applicable Teaching fundamentals and engineering applications of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, making use of research and development experience in heat transport in superfluid helium and heat transport in rarefied gases in vacuum insulation.
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 9.INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Last modified : Sat Mar 08 04:23:07 JST 2025