Non-Hermitian Quantum Mechanics

by Nimrod Moiseyev

Overview

Non-Hermitian quantum mechanics (NHQM) is an important alternative to the standard (Hermitian) formalism of quantum mechanics, enabling the solution of otherwise difficult problems. The first book to present this theory, it is useful to advanced graduate students and researchers in physics, chemistry and engineering. NHQM provides powerful numerical and analytical tools for the study of resonance phenomena – perhaps one of the most striking events in nature. It is especially useful for problems whose solutions cause extreme difficulties within the structure of a conventional Hermitian framework. NHQM has applications in a variety of fields, including optics, where the refractive index is complex; quantum field theory, where the parity-time (PT) symmetry properties of the Hamiltonian are investigated; and atomic and molecular physics and electrical engineering, where complex potentials are introduced to simplify numerical calculations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521889728
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/17/2011
Pages:	410
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.80(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Nimrod Moiseyev is Bertha Hartz Axel Professor of Chemistry and Physics and a member of the joint Minerva Centre for Nonlinear Physics of Complex Systems at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and Weizmann Institute of Science. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Humboldt Prize, the Marie Curie Prize, and the Landau Award for a 'major contribution to the development of the non-Hermitian theory of quantum mechanics'.

Table of Contents

1. Different formulations of quantum mechanics; 2. Resonance phenomena in nature; 3. Resonances from Hermitian quantum mechanics calculations; 4. Resonances from non-Hermitian quantum mechanics calculations; 5. Square integrable resonance wavefunctions; 6. Bi-orthogonal product (C-product); 7. The properties of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian; 8. Non-Hermitian scattering theory; 9. The self-orthogonality phenomenon; 10. The point where quantum mechanics branches into two formalisms; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"A unique, timely and comprehensive collection of material relating to the quantum physics and chemistry of resonance and absorption, combining mathematical principles, numerics, applications and solved exercises, representing a lifetime of research by the author and his collaborators."
Sir Michael Berry

"This book really is first class. The reading of this text should be recommended warmly. The message conveyed should be praised for being timely and well organized. The text is well written and compact."
M. Znojil, Mathematical Reviews

From the Publisher