This course introduces the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and their application to light–matter interactions in gases and solids. Topics include the Schrödinger equation, perturbation theory, absorption and emission processes, interband transitions in semiconductors, exciton dynamics, and lattice vibrations. Emphasis is placed on developing both conceptual understanding and quantitative tools for analyzing optical phenomena in atomic and condensed-matter systems. The course provides a foundation for advanced study in quantum optics, semiconductor physics, and quantum materials.

Recommended (but not mandatory) prerequisites: Optical properties of materials (undergraduate course), material's physics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and solid state physics

Midterm: 30 %
Final: 30 %
HW: 30 %
Participation: 10 %

Introduction to quantum mechanics, David J. Griffiths
Fundamentals of Semiconductors, Yu and Cardona

1. Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics
1.1 The Schrödinger Equation
 1.1.1 Wave Description of Particles
 1.1.2 Solutions in Atomic Gases
 1.1.3 Solutions in Solids
1.2 Perturbation Theory
 1.2.1 Time-Independent Perturbation Theory
 1.2.2 Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory

2. Light–Matter Interaction in Atomic Gases
2.1 Two-Level Systems under Electromagnetic Perturbation
2.2 Absorption and Emission of Radiation
2.3 Spontaneous Emission

3. Light–Matter Interaction in Semiconductors
3.1 Interband Absorption
 3.1.1 Direct Absorption Edge
 3.1.2 Indirect Absorption Edge
 3.1.3 Beyond the Absorption Edge: van Hove Singularities
3.2 Interband Luminescence
 3.2.1 Direct Luminescence
 3.2.2 Indirect Luminescence

4. Light–Matter Interaction of Excitons

5. Light–Matter Interaction of Lattice Vibrations