Consistent Quantum Theory

by Robert B. Griffiths

Overview

This volume elucidates the consistent quantum theory approach to quantum mechanics at a level accessible to university students in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science, making this an ideal supplement to standard textbooks. Griffiths provides a clear explanation of points not yet adequately treated in traditional texts and which students find confusing, as do their teachers. The book will also be of interest to physicists and philosophers working on the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521539296
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/13/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	7.28(w) x 9.92(h) x 0.98(d)

About the Author

Robert B. Griffiths is the Otto Stern University Professor of Physics at Carnegie-Mellon University. In 1962, he received his PhD in physics from Stanford University. Currently a Fellow of the American Physical Society and member of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, he received the Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics from the American Physical Society in 1984. He is the author or co-author of 130 papers on various topics in theoretical physics, mainly statistical and quantum mechanics.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Wave functions; 3. Linear algebra in Dirac notation; 4. Physical properties; 5. Probabilities and physical variables; 6. Composite systems and tensor products; 7. Unitary dynamics; 8. Stochastic histories; 9. The Born rule; 10. Consistent histories; 11. Checking consistency; 12. Examples of consistent families; 13. Quantum interference; 14. Dependent (contextual) events; 15. Density matrices; 16. Quantum reasoning; 17. Measurements I; 18. Measurements II; 19. Coins and counterfactuals; 20. Delayed choice paradox; 21. Indirect measurement paradox; 22. Incompatibility paradoxes; 23. Singlet state correlations; 24. EPR paradox and Bell inequalities; 25. Hardy's paradox; 26. Decoherence and the classical limit; 27. Quantum theory and reality; Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

"Students, teachers and researchers familiar with or interested in issues of interpretation of quantum mechanics will enjoy this book." Choice

"The book is systematic and clear. The conceptual framework of the consistent histories approach is sharply delinerated, there is an abundance of examples, open questions are honestly identified, and there are references to more detailed studies. I think it is the best book on consistent histories thus far, indispensable for those who want to understand this interpretation of quantum mechanics." Mathematical Reviews

From the Publisher

That is, a consistent theory of quantum physics, not a theory of a consistent quantum. Griffiths (physics, Carnegie-Mellon U.) argues that the primary mathematical constructs of quantum theory—wave functions—can be given a direct physical interpretation, without the measurement that most textbooks use to connect mathematical objects to physical reality. The trick, he says, is to avoid letting concepts of classical physics intrude. His treatment is designed to help newcomers grasp the fundamentals of the field, but he warns that they cannot learn the field by reading it alone. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)