Quantum physics for beginners

Physics (00A79) Introductory exposition (textbooks, tutorial papers, etc.) pertaining to quantum theory (81-01) General and philosophical questions in quantum theory (81P05) Closed and approximate solutions to the Schrödinger, Dirac, Klein-Gordon and other equations of quantum mechanics (81Q05) Selfadjoint operator theory in quantum theory, including spectral analysis (81Q10) Quantum dots, waveguides, ratchets, etc. (81Q37) Atomic physics (81V45) Many-body theory; quantum Hall effect (81V70)

Review text

This introduction to quantum mechanics points out the essentials vividly. The formalism is presented in a clear manner easy to grasp. It can be best recommended for self studies and as accompagnying reading to lectures. The chapters close with a summary, worked out examples, and tutorial problems. The solutions of the latter have been appeared in a special volume by the author [Problems and solutions in quantum physics. Singapore: Pan Stanford Publishing (2016; Zbl 1350.81001)].NEWLINENEWLINEThe book begins describing radiation (light) as a wave, and continues with the discovery of the electron, X-rays, the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and the discreteness of atomic spectra for to demonstrate facts which do not fit into the classical wave picture. Then the problem of black-body radiation and Max Planck's hypothesis of energy quanta, the origin of quantum theory, are presented. After considering the Bohr postulates and the Frank-Hertz experiment, the particle-wave duality is contemplated. De Broglie's matter waves and Schrödinger's ansatz of the wave function follow. Before introducing the Schrödinger equation the superposition principle, wave packets, wave and group velocities are discussed. Heisenberg's uncertainty relation is demonstrated by the diffraction of a monochromatic plane wave at a slit. Then the Schrödinger equation is discussed together with the continuity equation, the probability interpretation, and transmission coefficients. Solutions of the Schrödinger equation for potential wells are considered in detail. As applications quantum wires and quantum dots are considered. A parenthesis introduces to linear operators and their algebra, Hermitean adjoints, eigenvalues and eigenstates, orthogonality, expansions, expectation values, commutators and the derivation of uncertainty relations. The Dirac notation, projection operators, matrix representations. Spin operators and Pauli matrices are added. then the time dependent Schrödinger equation, unitary dynamics, and the Heisenberg picture are introduced. As worked examples the interaction picture and Ehrenfest's theorem are added. The harmonic oscillator and the Hydrogen atom are discussed in detail, the latter together with central symmetry, polar coordinates and angular momenta. The two body problem is described, time independent and time dependent perturbation theories are introduced. Eventually, relativistic wave equations together with their continuity equations are considered. The final chapter concerns systems of identical particles. Three short appendices contain a derivation of Boltzmann's distribution law, some useful formulas, and a list of physical constants,NEWLINENEWLINEThe present textbook together with the above cited book with problems and solutions form an excellent tool to learn quantum mechanics.

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