From Classical to Quantum Mechanics: An Introduction to the Formalism, Foundations and Applications
Cambridge University Press, 3/11/2004
EAN 9780521833240, ISBN10: 0521833248
Hardcover, 610 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 3.3 cm
Language: English
This 2004 textbook provides a pedagogical introduction to the formalism, foundations and applications of quantum mechanics. Part I covers the basic material which is necessary to understand the transition from classical to wave mechanics. Topics include classical dynamics, with emphasis on canonical transformations and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation, the Cauchy problem for the wave equation, Helmholtz equation and eikonal approximation, introduction to spin, perturbation theory and scattering theory. The Weyl quantization is presented in Part II, along with the postulates of quantum mechanics. Part III is devoted to topics such as statistical mechanics and black-body radiation, Lagrangian and phase-space formulations of quantum mechanics, and the Dirac equation. This book is intended for use as a textbook for beginning graduate and advanced undergraduate courses. It is self-contained and includes problems to aid the reader's understanding.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Part I. From Classical to Wave Mechanics
1. Experimental foundations of quantum theory
2. Classical dynamics
3. Wave equations
4. Wave mechanics
5. Applications of wave mechanics
6. Introduction to spin
7. Perturbation theory
8. Scattering theory
Part II. Weyl Quantization and Algebraic Methods
9. Weyl quantization
10. Harmonic oscillators and quantum optics
11. Angular momentum operators
12. Algebraic methods for eigenvalue problems
13. From density matrix to geometric phases
Part III. Selected Topics
14. From classical to quantum statistical mechanics
15. Lagrangian and phase-space formulations
16. Dirac equation and no-interaction theorem
References
Index.
Review of the hardback: 'I consider this book to be a valuable and modern contribution which addresses a wide readership. It contains a plenitude of material that can be used by lecturers as well as by students who want to learn interesting topics from a non-standard exposition.' Contemporary Physics