An Introduction to Quantum Theory

by F. S. Levin

Overview

Underpinning the axiomatic formulation of quantum theory presented in this undergraduate textbook is a review of early experiments, a comparison of classical and quantal terminology, a Schroedinger-equation treatment of the one-dimensional quantum box, and a survey of relevant mathematics. Among the many concepts comprehensively discussed are: operators; state vectors and wave functions; experimental observables; classical/quantal connections; and symmetry properties. The theory is applied to a wide variety of systems including the non-relativistic H-atom, external electromagnetic fields, and spin. Collisions are described using wave packets. Various time-dependent and time-independent approximations are discussed; applications include electromagnetic transition rates and corrections to the H-atom energies. The final chapter deals with identical-particle symmetries and their application to the He atom, the Periodic Table and diatomic molecules.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521598415
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	12/03/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	808
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 1.61(d)

About the Author

F. S. Levin received his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his Ph.D. from University of Maryland. Following post-doctoral positions at Rice University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Author-ity, he accepted an appointment in the Physics Department at Brown University, where he remained for 31 years until his retirement in 1998.

Table of Contents

Preface; Part I. Introductory: 1. The need for a non-classical description of microscopic phenomena; 2. Classical concepts and quantal inequivalencies; 3. Introducing quantum mechanics: a comparison of the classical stretched string and the quantal box; 4. Mathematical background; Part II. The Central Concepts: 5. The postulates of quantum mechanics; 6. Applications of the postulates: bound states in one dimension; 7. Applications of the postulates: continuum states in one dimension; 8. Quantal/classical connections; 9. Commuting operators, quantum numbers, symmetry properties; Part III. Systems with Few Degrees of Freedom: 10. Orbital angular momentum; 11. Two-particle systems, potential-well bound state problems; 12. Electromagnetic fields; 13. Intrinsic spin, two-state systems; 14. Generalized angular momentum and the coupling of angular momenta; 15. Three-dimensional continuum states/scattering; Part IV. Complex Systems: 16. Time-dependent approximation methods; 17. Time-independent approximation methods; 18. Many degrees of freedom: atoms and molecules; Appendix A. Elements of probability theory; Appendix B. Fourier series and integrals; Appendix C. Solution of Legendre's equation; Appendix D. Fundamental and derived quantities, conversion factors; References.

Editorial Reviews

'… [a] sound reliable text, suitable for students with the appropriate abilities and background.' Alastair Rae, The Times Higher Education Supplement

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