Advanced Concepts in Quantum Mechanics

This book introduces a geometric view of fundamental physics, ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantum mechanics and mathematical physics.

Giampiero Esposito (Author), Giuseppe Marmo (Author), Gennaro Miele (Author), George Sudarshan (Author)

9781107076044, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 November 2014

397 pages, 25 b/w illus. 79 exercises
25.3 x 19.3 x 2.2 cm, 1.03 kg

'… excellent, clear … [The authors'] exposition of unique physical insights together with their detailed mathematical expression is most welcome. Each chapter contains problem sets and there are references and an index. The chapter on experimental foundations of quantum theory is replete with rare physical explanations and insights. The various approximation methods are presented in a unified approach as are the modern pictures of quantum mechanics. This textbook provides a good introduction to the tomographic picture which allows classical and quantum descriptions to [be] compared.' Optics and Photonics News

Introducing a geometric view of fundamental physics, starting from quantum mechanics and its experimental foundations, this book is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantum mechanics and mathematical physics. Focusing on structural issues and geometric ideas, this book guides readers from the concepts of classical mechanics to those of quantum mechanics. The book features an original presentation of classical mechanics, with the choice of topics motivated by the subsequent development of quantum mechanics, especially wave equations, Poisson brackets and harmonic oscillators. It also presents new treatments of waves and particles and the symmetries in quantum mechanics, as well as extensive coverage of the experimental foundations.

Preface
1. Introduction: the need for a quantum theory
2. Experimental foundations of quantum theory
3. Waves and particles
4. Schrödinger picture, Heisenberg picture and probabilistic aspects
5. Integrating the equations of motion
6. Elementary applications: 1-dimensional problems
7. Elementary applications: multidimensional problems
8. Coherent states and related formalism
9. Introduction to spin
10. Symmetries in quantum mechanics
11. Approximation methods
12. Modern pictures of quantum mechanics
13. Formulations of quantum mechanics and their physical implications
14. Exam problems
Glossary of geometric concepts
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC]