Quantum Mechanics: An Introduction

This authoritative, advanced introduction provides a complete, modern perspective on quantum mechanics. It clarifies many common misconceptions regarding wave/particle duality and the correct interpretation of measurements. The author develops the text from the ground up, starting from the fundamentals and presenting information at an elementary level, avoiding unnecessarily detailed and complex derivations in favor of simple, clear explanations. He begins in the simplest context of a two-state system and shows why quantum mechanics is inevitable, and what its relationship is to classical mechanics. He also outlines the decoherence approach to interpreting quantum mechanics. Distinguishing features: Provides a thorough grounding in the principles and practice of quantum mechanics, including a core understanding of the behavior of atoms, molecules, solids, and light. Utilizes easy-to-follow examples and analogies to illustrate important concepts. Helps develop an intuitive sense for the field, by guiding the reader to understand how the correct formulas reduce to the non-relativistic ones. Includes numerous worked examples and problems for each chapter.

Table of Contents:
PREFACE AUTHOR Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Two State Systems: The Ammonia Molecule Chapter 3 Quantum Mechanics of Single Particle in One-Dimensional Space I Chapter 4 Quantum Mechanics of a Single Particle in One-Dimensional Space II Chapter 5 The Harmonic Oscillator Chapter 6 Review of Linear Algebra and Dirac Notation Chapter 7 Rotation Invariance and the Hydrogen Atom Chapter 8 Scattering Electrons on a Nucleus Chapter 9 Charged Particles in a Magnetic Field Chapter 10 The Meaning of Quantum Measurement and the Emergence of a Classical Reality Chapter 11 Sketch of Atomic, Molecular, and Condensed Matter Physics Chapter 12 Quantum Statistical Mechanics Chapter 13 Perturbation Theory: Time Independent Chapter 14 Perturbation Theory: Time Dependent Chapter 15 The Adiabatic Approximation, Aharonov–Bohm, and Berry Phases Chapter 16 Scattering Theory Chapter 17 The JWKB Approximation Chapter 18 The Variational Principle Chapter 19 The Feynman Path Integral Chapter 20 Quantum Computation? Chapter 21 L’Envoi: Relativistic Quantum Field Theory Appendix A Interpretations of Quantum Mechanics Appendix B The Dirac Delta Function Appendix C Noether’s Theorem Appendix D Group Theory Appendix E Laguerre Polynomials Appendix F Summary of Dirac Notation and Linear Algebra Appendix G Answers to Selected Problems Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Thomas Banks is a theoretical physicist at University of California, Santa Cruz and a professor at Rutgers University. He earned his PhD in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has been a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Professor Banks is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship and is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Review :
"This is an excellent textbook and an extremely useful reference. It addresses both simple and complex issues from a modern perspective, while being pedagogical and accessible. The author is an accomplished and famous researcher. Here he shares his deep insights about quantum mechanics in a very powerful and fresh way. Beginning students and senior scientists will benefit from it." —Nathan Seiberg, Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey "Provides remarkable insights into technical aspects of the subject, but also into the most basic conceptual questions which trouble both new students and more mature researchers" —Michael Dine, Professor of Physics, University of California, Santa Cruz "An excellent book" —Andreas Karch, Professor, University of Washington