Quantum mechanics for pedestrians 1. Fundamentals (Q1787158)

This is a pretty nice introduction for people who have elementary knowledge in mathematics and physics. The book is organized in 14 chapters (pp. 3--201), 22 appendices (pp. 203--511), recommended further readings, and a subject index. The contents and the subject index of volume 2 [the author, Quantum mechanics for pedestrians 2. Applications and extensions. 2nd edition. Cham: Springer (2018; Zbl 1445.81002)] are added. Each chapter begins with an abstract and ends with a number of suitable exercises. Chapter 1 introduces the Schrödinger equation by the argument that in contrast to the usual wave equation it has the correct de Broglie dispersion relation. For simplicity, the one-dimensional case is considered. In Chapter 2 light waves in three dimensions, linear and circular polarization is considered motivating the assumption of a complex linear two dimensional state space indicating the polarization by a unit vector. The splitting of a classical light beam passing a polarizer is explained. Considering very low intensities this can only result from a scattering of single photons where the probabilities for one or the other measurement result must coincide with those observed for high intensities. This holds true if these probabilities are given by the squared norms of the orthogonal components of the unit vector visualizing Born's rule. Whereas probability in classical physics arises from ignorance it is fundamental in quantum physics. Chapter 3 explains elementary Schrödinger problems, the linearity of the differential equation, and superpositions of solutions. The simplicity of the time independent case, the replacement of position and momentum by operators. The commutator of these operators is derived but its relation to the Poisson bracket is not mentioned. Instead, the operator representation of the Runge-Lenz vector is exemplified. In Chapter 4 complex vector spaces, and their use in quantum mechanics are explained. Starting point is again the state space of light polarizations. The inner product, bra an ket notation, orthonormal systems and the respective representation of vectors is described. Projection operators are introduced together with their use to describe state changes by quantum measurements. Chapter 5 presents some simple but instructive solutions of the Schrödiger equation in one space dimension. First, the solutions in between infinite potential wells is considered demonstrating the case of discrete spectra and the orthonormal system of eigenfuntions. The potential free case demonstrating continuous spectra, plane waves and Fourier transformation is considered including the widening of free wave packets. It is shown that the distance between neighbored eigenvalues goes to zero if the distance of the potential wells grows to infinity. Chapter 6 begins with the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, light beams, moving particles, and single photons are compared. This is followed by a discussion of the terms `wave-particle duality', and `interaction free measurement'. A two dimensional complex state space is assumed to represent the processing of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The state changes result from unitary operators. The quantum Zeno effect, the delayed choice experiment, and the Hadamard transformation are exemplified. The topic of Chapter 7 is the position probability. Again the space in between infinite potential wells in one dimension serves for a demonstration. Starting with the equally distributed position of a classical particle the absolute square of an energy eigenfunction is discussed to be the probability density of the position in the quantum case. For high Energies the quantum distribution approaches the classical one. The time dependence of the position distribution is considered for potential-free motion as well as bound states in attractive potentials, and expectation values are introduced. Eventually, the current density of probability is defined. Chapter 8 is endowed to inform about neutrino oscillations. There is an orthonormal base of three states of different rest mass, but only three mutual orthonormal superpositions of them, \(\nu_e\), \(\nu_\mu\), and \(\nu_\tau\), arise in results of measurements. For a free moving neutrino quantum dynamics causes the probabilities for each of the realistic results to oscillate. For simplicity, this is made explicit in case there would be only two states of different rest mass. The attempt to describe neutrino oscillations by Schrödinger dynamics leads to explain the Hamilton operator to be selfadjoint. The use of projection operators for to describe state change in case of measurements is considered. Chapter 9 continues the consideration of measurements. Mean values and expectation values are introduced for position and momentum. Then the standard deviation is defined and its meaning in classical probability and quantum theory is compared. For Hermitean operators the reality of eigenvalues and the orthogonality of eigenfunction of different eigenvalues are derived. After considering the time dependence of expectation values Ehrenfest's theorem is derived. Chapter 10 begins with a summary of main points of quantum mechanics so far introduced. Then quantum cryptography for which a secret transmission of a key is essential is considered. The famous BB84 protocol is represented and explained. In Chapter 11 the Hilbert space is introduced and wave functions are represented by vectors in Hilbert space or by \(\mathbb{C}^n\) tuples, operators acting in Hilbert space by matrices acting in \(\mathbb{C}^n\). Continuous spectra are the topic of Chapter 12. Improper vectors and a method to treat with them is explained and exemplified for the position and momentum representations. The author points to the diversity of useful representations of quantum mechanics. In Chapter 13 kinds of operators are defined and their use in quantum mechanics is described. Firstly, the properties linear, antilinear, bounded, and the range for unbounded operators are defined. Then Hermitean operators representing observables are considered. Besides the properties already derived in Chapter 9 the existence of a common basis of eigenvectors for commuting such operators is shown. For the non-commuting case the uncertainty relation is derived and interpreted. The energy-time uncertainty relation is also derived. Orthonormal bases of eigenvectors are not unique in case of degenerate spectra. Unitary operators, transformations and their use in time translation are mentioned thereby introducing functions of Hermitean operators. Projection operators, their use to describe state changes in ideal measurements, and to construct spectral decompositions are considered before, eventually, an overview of linear operator properties is given. Chapter 14 is entitled ``postulates of quantum mechanics'' although this should not mean that an axiomatic approach is given. The author merely lists the generally valid methods he has introduced,explained, and exemplified in the preceding chapters giving names to them as rules. Eventually, he points at open questions and gives an outlook on topics in the second volume. In the 22 appendices (pp. 203--511) additional remarks and mathematically more explicit formulations of the developments in the main part of the book are given. Beginning with the list of abbreviations used in the text of this book (appendix A)they end with the solutions of the exercises (appendix V). A recommendation for further readings precedes the indexes of volumes 1 and vol. 2. This book is an excellent introduction to quantum mechanics suited for beginners to get first insights which may be deepened reading the appendices. This is continued by Chapters 15--28 in the 2nd volume [loc. cit.]. The two volumes can be best recommended generally and especially for self studies.