List of Figures; Foreword by Eva Lindroth; Preface; Chapter 1. Description of a physical system; Chapter 2. Feynman's formulation of quantum mechanics; Chapter 3. Continuum and bound eigenstates of one-dimensional potentials; Chapter 4. Angular momentum; Chapter 5. The nonrelativistic hydrogen atom; Chapter 6. Approximation methods; Chapter 7. The relativistic hydrogen atom; Chapter 8. Quantum mechanics of spectral transitions; Chapter 9. The many-electron atom; Chapter 10. Quantum collisions; Chapter 11. Introduction to entanglement and quantum computing; Appendix A. Role of symmetry in atomic physics; Appendix B. Schrödinger, Heisenberg and Dirac 'pictures' of quantum dynamics; Appendix C. Spherical harmonics; Appendix D. Occupation number formalism: second quantization; Appendix E. Electron structure studies with qubits; Index.
A text on quantum mechanics for graduate students and researchers with explanations of fundamental principles and modern applications.
P. C. Deshmukh served at IIT Madras for more than three decades and has also served at IIT Tirupati & IIT Mandi. He obtained his Ph.D. from Nagpur University and worked for his postdoctoral research at the University of Aarhus, the University of Notre Dame, and also at the Georgia State University. Apart from guiding several Ph.D. students and publishing many papers in premier journals, he has engaged many undergraduate students in interesting physics projects. His research group is one of the major contributors to the study of attosecond time-delay in atomic photoionization.
'Pranawa, a well-known atomic physicist and a great teacher of
quantum mechanics over decades, offers an excursion to the quantum
world. He shares anecdotes, questions, solved problems and
insights, in a non-traditional fashion. One gets a glimpse of
quantum complexities. In excursions, some preparation and learning
a little bit about the places of visit helps enormously. Similarly,
a familiarity with quantum mechanics will help the students to
appreciate the difficult subject presented in the book. I learned
Feynman's path integral method somewhat late. It made lot of sense
and helped my research. Pranawa's book, thankfully introduces path
integral method, early in the beginning. Pranawa's book is a Lego
Box with precious pieces. Students and teachers can build their own
quantum world using the pieces. There is a lot to be gained from
this book for hard-working students.' G. Baskaran, The Institute of
Mathematical Sciences
'Quantum Mechanics by Professor Deshmukh is a didactic book about
basic QM, with the classical topics often illustrated by
contemporary applications, punctuated with gems stemming from the
Author research activity in atomic physics as well as fundamental
problems. As example, after a detailed presentation of the
Feynman's path integral formulation, a thorough discussion is given
of geometrical phases, the Aharonov-Bohm effect including a
numerical simulation and the connection with classical mechanics
illustrated via a Foucault pendulum. Even for the quantum well a
new approach via the Lambert W function is presented. Atomic
structure and processes are more detailed than usual, including
discussion of continuum states, dynamical symmetries and
relativistic aspects. The style is leisurely, not overly formal,
and you feel the teacher guiding you behind the shoulder, not
shying from occasional longer derivations, but always with enough
details to make for smooth sailing. A solid first approach for all
students, especially recommended for further study in the quantum
theory of matter and allied sciences.' Piero Decleva, Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Universita' di Trieste
'It is often said that it is not possible to really understand
Quantum Mechanics. This might be true, but with enough effort it is
certainly possible to learn to master its machinery and use it to
explain physical phenomena and develop new technology. Professor
Pranawa Deshmukh writes in this book: 'Quantum theory may shock and
confuse us, but it is a successful theory of the physical world. It
is cast in a mathematical framework which must be learned with
patience and rigour'.' Eva Lindroth, Department of Physics,
Stockholm University
'Professor Deshmukh is well placed to author this text, as he has
extensive teaching experience in both classical and quantum
mechanics. Throughout the book, the author consistently
communicates his own excitement and wonder at quantum mechanics as
a fundamental description of nature. Following his previous book
Foundations of Classical Mechanics he elucidates the challenges and
achievements of quantum theory. The early chapters introduce the
basics of quantum theory and introduce the reader to
non-relativistic and relativistic versions. The later chapters
tackle interesting applications ranging from one-electron and
many-electron atoms, to quantum collisions and up to date topics
such as quantum information (entanglement) and computing. His
inclusion of very detailed derivations accompanied by insightful
physical explanations makes the book very suitable for self-study
or as a graduate text.' Eugene Kennedy, School of Physical
Sciences, Dublin City University
'This textbook on Quantum Mechanics (QM) follows a well-received
CUP edition of the 'Foundations of Classical Mechanics' by the same
author. While numerous texts on QM exist, the present book brings a
fresh perspective given by a practicing atomic physics theorist
with a wide range of research interests. The book is built from the
historical background of QM up to the most recent applications
including quantum information and computation. In this historical
journey, the key milestones of QM are marked including the hydrogen
atom, Feynman path integrals, light-matter interaction and
scattering of atomic particles. A loving attention to detail and
meticulous derivations make this book a pleasant and useful reading
which will benefit both the students and practicing researchers.'
Anatoli Kheifets, Research School of Physics, The Australian
National University
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