Quantum Principles and Particles, 2nd Edition

This textbook offers a unique introduction to quantum mechanics progressing gradually from elementary quantum mechanics to aspects of particle physics. It presents the microscopic world by analysis of the simplest possible quantum mechanical system (spin 1/2). A special feature is the author’s use of visual aids known as process diagrams, which show how amplitudes for quantum mechanical processes are computed. The second edition includes a new chapter and problems on time-dependent processes, in addition to new material on quantum computing and improved illustrations.

Key Features:

• Provides a completely updated text with expanded contents.
• Includes a brand new chapter on time-dependent processes and expanded coverage of recent developments in particle physics.
• Emphasizes a visual approach employing process diagrams and utilizing new figures.
• Incorporates quantum information theory in a new appendix, with other helpful supplements on notation, lattice models, weak flavor mixing, and numerical simulations.

Preface

Section I : Quantum Principles
Chapter 1 : Perspective and Principles
Chapter 2 : Particle Motion in One Dimension
Chapter 3 : Some One-Dimensional Solutions to the Schrödinger Equation
Chapter 4 : Hilbert Space and Unitary Transformations
Chapter 5 : Three Static Approximation Methods
Chapter 6 : Generalization to Three Dimensions

Section II : Quantum Particles
Chapter 7 : The Three-Dimensional Radial Equation
Chapter 8 : Addition of Angular Momenta
Chapter 9 : Spin and Statistics
Chapter 10 : Quantum Particle Scattering
Chapter 11 : Connecting to the Standard Model

Appendices
Appendix A : Notation Comments and Comparisons
Appendix B : Lattice Models
Appendix C : 2-D Harmonic Oscillator Wave Function Normalization
Appendix D : Allowed Standard Model Interactions
Appendix E : The Ising Model and More
Appendix F : Weak Flavor Mixing
Index