This book, the first in a two-volume set, provides an introduction to the fundamentals of (mainly) non-relativistic quantum mechanics. This first volume chiefly focuses on the essential principles, while applications and extensions of the formalism can be found in volume 2. Including but also moving beyond material that is covered in traditional textbooks on quantum mechanics, the book discusses in detail current issues such as interaction-free quantum measurements or neutrino oscillations, as well as fundamental problems and epistemological questions, such as the measurement problem. A chapter on the postulates of quantum mechanics rounds off this first volume. In order to quickly and clearly present the main principles of quantum mechanics and its mathematical formulation, there is a systematic transition between wave mechanics and algebraic representation in the first few chapters, in which the required mathematical tools are introduced step by step. Moreover, the appendix concisely reviews the most important mathematical tools, allowing readers to largely dispense with supplementary literature. The appendix also explores advanced topics, such as the Quantum-Zeno effect and time-delay experiments. Over 250 exercises, most of them with solutions, help to deepen the reader’s understanding of the topics discussed. This revised second edition is expanded by an introduction to some ideas and problems of relativistic quantum mechanics. In this first volume, the Klein-Gordon and the Dirac equations are treated. Fundamentals of other areas are compiled in compact form, i.e., outlines of special relativity, classical field theory and electrodynamics. The book is chiefly intended for student science teachers and all students of physics, majors and minors alike, who are looking for a reasonably easy and modern introduction to quantum mechanics
Towards the Schrödinger Equation -- Polarization -- More on the Schrödinger Equation -- Complex Vector Spaces and Quantum Mechanics -- Two Simple Solutions of the Schrödinger Equation -- Interaction-Free Measurement -- Position Probability -- Neutrino Oscillations -- Expectation Values, Mean Values, and Measured Values -- Stopover; then on to Quantum Cryptography -- Abstract Notation -- Continuous Spectra -- Operators -- Postulates of Quantum Mechanics
Undergraduate Lecture Notes in PhysicsSpringerLinkSpringer eBook Collection
This book, the second in a two-volume set, provides an introduction to the basics of (mainly) non-relativistic quantum mechanics. While the first volume addresses the basic principles, this second volume discusses applications and extensions to more complex problems. In addition to topics dealt with in traditional quantum mechanics texts, such as symmetries or many-body problems, it also treats issues of current interest such as entanglement, Bell’s inequality, decoherence and various aspects of quantum information in detail. Furthermore, questions concerning the basis of quantum mechanics and epistemological issues which are relevant e.g. to the realism debate are discussed explicitly. A chapter on the interpretations of quantum mechanics rounds out the book. Readers are introduced to the requisite mathematical tools step by step. In the appendix, the most relevant mathematics is compiled in compact form, and more advanced topics such as the Lenz vector, Hardy’s experiment and Shor’s algorithm are treated in more detail. As an essential aid to learning and teaching, 130 exercises are included, most of them with solutions. This revised second edition is expanded by an introduction into some ideas and problems of relativistic quantum mechanics. In this second volume, an overview of quantum field theory is given and basic conceptions of quantum electrodynamics are treated in some detail. Originally written as a course for students of science education, the book addresses all those science students and others who are looking for a reasonably simple, fresh and modern introduction to the field
One-Dimensional Piecewise-Constant Potentials -- Angular Momentum -- The Hydrogen Atom -- The Harmonic Oscillator -- Perturbation Theory -- Entanglement, EPR, Bell -- Symmetries and Conservation Laws -- The Density Operator -- Identical Particles -- Decoherence -- Scattering -- Quantum Information -- Is Quantum Mechanics Complete? -- Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics
Undergraduate Lecture Notes in PhysicsSpringerLinkSpringer eBook Collection
