Quantum Mechanics: From Basic Principles to Numerical Methods and Applications (Advanced Texts in Physics). This item is unavailable.Quantum Mechanics: From Basic Principles to Numerical Methods and Applications (Advanced Texts in Physics)

Whoever begins writing a book on quantum mechanics is struck by the breadth of the subject. In its applications first: atomic and molecular p- sics, nuclear physics, optics, solid state physics, theory of gases and liquids, elementary particles theory, almost all fields of contemporary physics are based on quantum mechanics. In its formulation, also, which borrows from many subfields of mathematics and reaches philosophical reflection as much as modern technology. The writing therefore implies, at the outset, making choices. I first chose to write a book for those who strive to understand qu- tum mechanics. These are physics students, of course, but also students and investigators in theoretical chemistry, biophysics and engineering physics w- hing to comprehend more deeply the computational methods they use. I have thus tried to clarify delicate points rather than leave them aside. Conceptual problems are treated in more detail than in most general textbooks. But understanding also involves the capability to perform concrete calculations. This motivates the development of numerical methods which, most of the time, are the only ones that yield quantitative results. I chose also to present quantum mechanics as a self-contained theory. The exposition largely develops around the central notion of state space.

This advanced text develops first the underlying concepts of quantum mechanics, thus starting with state spaces of finite dimension followed by the representation of coordinates with their principal formal elements, and their applications such as the harmonic oscillator, magnetic momentum, the hydrogen atom, stationary perturbations etc. This fresh and original text on quantum mechanics focuses on: the development of numerical methods for obtaining specific results; the presentation of group theory and the systematic use of operators; the introduction of the functional integral and its applications in approximation; the discussion of distant correlations and experimental measurements. Numerous exercises with hints and solutions, examples and applications, and a guide to key references help the student to work with the text.