A Computational Introduction to Quantum Physics

This textbook introduces quantum physics using a modern computational approach, enabling students to model quantum phenomena.

Sølve Selstø (Author)

9781009389631, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 April 2024

196 pages
26 x 18.5 x 1.5 cm, 0.551 kg

'I think the projects are excellent and will help students understand the topics.' Morgan Besson, Villanova University

This concise textbook introduces an innovative computational approach to quantum mechanics. Over the course of this engaging and informal book, students are encouraged to take an active role in learning key concepts by working through practical exercises. The book equips readers with some basic methodology and a toolbox of scientific computing methods, so they can use code to simulate and directly visualize how quantum particles behave. The important foundational elements of the wave function and the Schrödinger equation are first introduced, then the text gradually builds up to advanced topics including relativistic, open, and non-Hermitian quantum physics. This book assumes familiarity with basic mathematics and numerical methods, and can be used to support a two-semester advanced undergraduate course. Source code and solutions for every book exercise involving numerical implementation are provided in Python and MATLAB®, along with supplementary data. Additional problems are provided online for instructor use with locked solutions.

Preface
1. The wave function
2. The Schrödinger equation
3. The time-independent Schrödinger equation
4. Quantum physics with several particles – and spin
5. Quantum physics with explicit time-dependence
6. Quantum technology and applications
7. Beyond the Schrödinger equation
8. Non-Hermitian quantum physics
9. Some perspective
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]