Description
The universe we live in is both strange and interesting. This strangeness comes about because, at the most fundamental level, the universe is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics. This is the most spectacularly accurate and powerful theory ever devised, one that has given us insights into many aspects of the world, from the structure of matter to the meaning of information. This textbook provides a comprehensive account of all things quantum. It starts by introducing the wavefunction and its interpretation as an ephemeral wave of complex probability, before delving into the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics and exploring its diverse applications, from atomic physics and scattering, to quantum computing. Designed to be accessible, this volume is suitable for both students and researchers, beginning with the basics before progressing to more advanced topics.
Table of Contents
1. The Wavefunction; 2. A Quantum Particle in One Dimension; 3. The Formalism of Quantum Mechanics; 4. A Qubit; 5. The Harmonic Oscillator; 6. A Quantum Particle in Three Dimensions; 7. Symmetries; 8. Identical Particles; 9. Particles in a Magnetic Field; 10. Approximation Methods; 11. Hamiltonians with Time Dependence; 12. Atoms; 13. Atoms in Electromagnetic Fields; 14. Scattering Theory; 15. The Path Integral; 16. Quantum Foundations; 17. Quantum Computation.
