This is to be a short course of 8 lectures that provide a general overview of time-dependent quantum mechanics and approximation methods useful in descriptions of excitation energy transfer and electron transfer problems in condensed-phase molecular systems. A density-matrix approach will be emphasized, and the content will consist of developments of theoretical methods that have broad applications in physical chemistry. A time-dependent approach to linear as well as nonlinear spectroscopy will be presented.

The course is designed to help students establish the basic capacity to carry out theoretical research in the field of quantum dynamics and spectroscopy.

Attendants should have been familiar with notions of time-independent quantum mechanics such as
* Time-independent Schrodinger equation & simple quantum systems
* Dirac notation & basics of matrix mechanics
* Operators, second quantization notations

Each meeting will be about 2 hours, and the lectures will focus on covering the principle theoretical ideas in each topic listed in the following:

1. Time-dependent perturbation theory
2. Fermi's golden rule and density matrix formalism
3. System-bath model and quantum master equations
4. Time-correlation functions (8/19, 2:00PM, Rm. 121)
5. Redfield theory for excitation energy transfer & electron transfer
6. Time-domain description of linear spectroscopy
7. Introduction to nonlinear spectroscopy
8. Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy

Schatz & Ratner's "Quantum Mechanics in Chemistry" by George C. Schatz (Author), Mark A. Ratner (Author)
Publisher: Dover Publications
ISBN: 978-0486420035