John D. Jackson: A Course in Quantum Mechanics

A Course in Quantum Mechanics is a unique graduate-level textbook on quantum mechanics by John David Jackson, edited by Robert N. Cahn. It is notable for its original problems focused on real applications, with solutions provided for critical problems. The text covers wave mechanics, the Klein-Gordon equation, free particle probability current, expectation values, the Schrödinger equation, WKB formula, rotations and angular momentum, time-independent perturbation theory, atomic structure, scattering amplitude, semi-classical and quantum electromagnetism, emission and absorption of radiation, and relativistic quantum mechanics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

A comprehensive and in-depth exploration of quantum mechanics is presented in John David Jackson's renowned textbook, A Course in Quantum Mechanics. This graduate-level text, authored by the esteemed author of Classical Electrodynamics, offers a unique perspective on the subject. Carefully edited by Robert N. Cahn, a colleague and former student of Jackson, the book preserves the author's distinctive style while providing a thorough and accessible treatment of the topic.

One of the distinguishing features of A Course in Quantum Mechanics is its emphasis on real-world applications. The textbook includes a wealth of original problems that focus on practical scenarios, many of which address published data in accompanying tables and figures. These problems not only enhance understanding of the material but also lead to significant physical consequences. The solutions provided for these critical problems are detailed and well-explained, ensuring a solid grasp of the subject matter.

The text is organized into comprehensive chapters, each covering a different aspect of quantum mechanics. Wave mechanics of de Broglie and Schrödinger, the Klein-Gordon equation and its non-relativistic approximation, free particle probability current, expectation values, and the Schrödinger equation in momentum space are among the topics covered in depth. Readers will also find detailed discussions on the spread in time of a free-particle wave packet, density matrix, Sturm-Liouville eigenvalue problem, WKB formula for bound states, example of WKB with a power law potential, normalization of WKB bound state wave functions, barrier penetration with WKB, rotations and angular momentum, representations, Wigner d-functions, addition of angular momenta, the Wigner-Eckart theorem, time-independent perturbation theory, Stark, Zeeman, Paschen-Back effects, time-dependent perturbation theory, Fermis Golden Rule, and atomic structure are among the topics covered in depth.

Throughout the book, Jackson employs clear and concise explanations, accompanied by detailed derivations and calculations. More than 120 figures illustrate key principles, experimental apparatus, and data, enhancing the visual understanding of the subject matter. The text is designed to be comprehensive and comprehensible, with clearly explained steps that guide readers through the complexities of quantum mechanics.

Whether you are a student pursuing advanced studies in physics or a researcher interested in delving deeper into the realm of quantum mechanics, A Course in Quantum Mechanics is an invaluable resource. Its comprehensive coverage, original problems, and clear explanations make it an essential tool for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this fundamental scientific discipline.

ISBN-13: 9781119880387