Quantum Processes Systems, and Information

A new and exciting approach to the basics of quantum theory for undergraduate courses.

Benjamin Schumacher (Author), Michael Westmoreland (Author)

9780521875349, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 March 2010

482 pages, 63 b/w illus. 835 exercises
19.5 x 19.5 x 2.4 cm, 1.21 kg

'A bright undergraduate would get a tremendous grounding in modern quantum theory from reading this book, and solving the problems therein. So would many postgraduate students and academics wanting to get into the heart of quantum information research.' Howard M. Wiseman, Quantum Information Processing

A new and exciting approach to the basics of quantum theory, this undergraduate textbook contains extensive discussions of conceptual puzzles and over 800 exercises and problems. Beginning with three elementary 'qubit' systems, the book develops the formalism of quantum theory, addresses questions of measurement and distinguishability, and explores the dynamics of quantum systems. In addition to the standard topics covered in other textbooks, it also covers communication and measurement, quantum entanglement, entropy and thermodynamics, and quantum information processing. This textbook gives a broad view of quantum theory by emphasizing dynamical evolution, and exploring conceptual and foundational issues. It focuses on contemporary topics, including measurement, time evolution, open systems, quantum entanglement, and the role of information.

1. Bits and quanta
2. Qubits
3. States and observables
4. Distinguishability and information
5. Quantum dynamics
6. Entanglement
7. Information and ebits
8. Density operators
9. Open systems
10. A particle in space
11. Dynamics of a free particle
12. Spin and rotation
13. Ladder systems
14. Many particles
15. Stationary states in 1-D
16. Bound states in 3-D
17. Perturbation theory
18. Quantum information processing
19. Classical and quantum entropy
20. Error correction
Appendixes
Index.

Subject Areas: Signal processing [UYS], Communications engineering / telecommunications [TJK], Electronics & communications engineering [TJ], Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]