Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental and conceptually challenging area of physics that is typically introduced using heuristic arguments, obscuring synergies with classical mechanics. This book takes an alternative approach by leveraging classical analytical mechanics to facilitate a natural transition to quantum physics, providing a solid foundation for understanding quantum phenomena. It includes mathematical and classical analytical mechanics, a deductive approach, pedagogical features, comprehensive coverage, and an introduction to quantum systems engineering. It is suitable for undergraduate students in physics and graduate students in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 450 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental and conceptually challenging area of physics that spans from classical analytical mechanics to quantum mechanics, simulation, foundations, and engineering. It is commonly assumed that students entering the field of quantum mechanics are unfamiliar with Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics and the role played by probability. As a result, quantum physics is often introduced using heuristic arguments, obscuring synergies with classical mechanics.

This book takes an alternative approach by leveraging classical analytical mechanics to facilitate a seamless transition to quantum physics. By doing so, a solid foundation for understanding quantum phenomena is established.

Key features of this textbook include:

Mathematics and Classical Analytical Mechanics: The necessary mathematical background and classical analytical mechanics are introduced gradually, allowing readers to focus on one conceptual challenge at a time.

Deductive Approach: Quantum mechanics is presented on the firm foundation of classical analytical mechanics, ensuring a logical progression of concepts.

Pedagogical Features: This book includes helpful notes, worked examples, problems, computational challenges, and problem-solving approaches to enhance understanding.

Comprehensive Coverage: Including advanced topics such as open quantum systems, phase-space methods, and computational methods for quantum physics, including good programming practice and code design. Much of the code needed to reproduce figures throughout this book is included.

Consideration of Foundations: The measurement problem and correspondence principle are addressed, including an open and critical discussion of their interpretation and consequences.

Introduction to Quantum Systems Engineering: This textbook provides an introduction to quantum systems engineering, covering topics such as quantum information theory, quantum communication, and quantum computing.

By adopting a classical analytical mechanics-based approach, this book aims to make quantum mechanics more accessible and understandable to students, while also providing a solid foundation for further exploration of this complex and fascinating field.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119829874