The Quantum Mechanics Solver: How to Apply Quantum Theory to Modern Physics

ISBN-13: 9783540277217 / Angielski / Twarda / 2005 / 308 str.

Jean-Louis Basdevant; Jean Dalibard

Opis

Quantum mechanics is an endless source of new questions and fascinating observations. Examples can be found in fundamental physics and in applied physics, in mathematical questions as well as in the currently popular debates ontheinterpretationofquantummechanicsanditsphilosophicalimplications. Teaching quantum mechanics relies mostly on theoretical courses, which are illustrated by simple exercises often of a mathematical character. Red- ing quantum physics to this type of problem is somewhat frustrating since very few, if any, experimental quantities are available to compare the results with. For a long time, however, from the 1950s to the 1970s, the only alter- tive to these basic exercises seemed to be restricted to questions originating from atomic and nuclear physics, which were transformed into exactly soluble problems and related to known higher transcendental functions. In the past ten or twenty years, things have changed radically. The dev- opment of high technologies is a good example. The one-dimensional squa- well potential used to be a rather academic exercise for beginners. The em- gence of quantum dots and quantum wells in semiconductor technologies has changed things radically. Optronics and the associated developments in inf- redsemiconductorandlasertechnologieshaveconsiderablyelevatedthesocial rank of the square-well model. As a consequence, more and more emphasis is given to the physical aspects of the phenomena rather than to analytical or computational considerations.

Recenzje

From the reviews of the second edition:

"This problem based textbook is a concise and particularly useful reference of quantum mechanics as used in a large range of modern applications in physics. ... At the end of each section worked solutions, references and general comments are given ... . this book of problems would be very useful for any physics departmental, or indeed individual research group, library. Highly recommended." (Lloyd C L Hollenberg, Australian Physics, Vol. 32 (6), 2007)

Spis treści

Elementary Particles, Nuclei and Atoms.- Neutrino Oscillations.- Summary of Quantum Mechanics.- Quantum Entanglement and Measurement.- The EPR Problem and Bell’s Inequality.- Complex Systems.- Exact Results for the Three-Body Problem.- Atomic Clocks.- Neutron Interferometry.- Spectroscopic Measurement on a Neutron Beam.- Analysis of a Stern-Gerlach Experiment.- Measuring the Electron Magnetic Moment Anomaly.- Decay of a Tritium Atom.- The Spectrum of Positronium.- The Hydrogen Atom in Crossed Fields.- Energy Loss of Ions in Matter.- Schrödinger’s Cat.- Quantum Cryptography.- Direct Observation of Field Quantization.- Ideal Quantum Measurement.- The Quantum Eraser.- A Quantum Thermometer.- Properties of a Bose-Einstein Condensate.- Magnetic Excitons.- A Quantum Box.- Colored Molecular Ions.- Hyperfine Structure in Electron Spin Resonance.- Probing Matter with Positive Muons.- Quantum Reflection of Atoms from a Surface.- Laser Cooling and Trapping.- Bloch Oscillations.

O autorze

The Quantum Mechanics Solver provides a unique illustration of the application of quantum mechanical concepts to various fields of modern physics. It encourages the reader to apply quantum mechanics to research problems in fields such as molecular physics, condensed matter physics or laser physics. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students will find this book a rich and challenging source of material for further exploration.

Blurb

The Quantum Mechanics Solver grew from topics which are part of the final examination in quantum theory at the Ecole Polytechnique at Palaiseau near Paris, France. The aim of the text is to guide the student towards applying quantum mechanics to research problems in fields such as atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter physics, and laser physics. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students will find a rich and challenging source for improving their skills in this field.