Quirky Quantum Concepts

Neither avoiding math nor hiding behind it, this book explains difficult concepts in theoretical quantum mechanics, which are often neglected or confusing in common texts. Outlines the processes of reasoning behind some of the great discoveries in the field.

Quirky Quantum Concepts explains the more important and more difficult concepts in theoretical quantum mechanics, especially those which are consistently neglected or confusing in many common expositions. The emphasis is on physical understanding, which is necessary for the development of new, cutting edge science.

In particular, this book explains the basis for many standard quantum methods, which are too often presented without sufficient motivation or interpretation. The book is not a simplification or popularization: it is real science for real scientists. Physics includes math, and this book does not shy away from it, but neither does it hide behind it. Without conceptual understanding, math is gibberish. The discussions here provide the experimental and theoretical reasoning behind some of the great discoveries, so the reader may see how discoveries arise from a rational process of thinking, a process which Quirky Quantum Concepts makes accessible to its readers.

Quirky Quantum Concepts is therefore a supplement to almost any existing quantum mechanics text. Students and scientists will appreciate the combination of conversational style, which promotes understanding, with thorough scientific accuracy.

A supplement to almost any existing quantum mechanics text Focuses on conceptual understanding, which allows the reader to adapt the concepts to his specific application and needs Covers all the fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics: position, momentum, angular momentum Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Auteur
After two decades as a successful software engineer, Eric Michelsen returned to school, receiving his PhD in Physics from University of California, San Diego in 2010. He has taught senior-level and introductory engineering and physics at UCSD, Florida Institute of Technology, Pomona College in Clairemont, CA, and Palomar Community College in San Marcos, CA.

Contenu
Introduction To Quirky Quantum Concepts.- Basic Wave Mechanics Concepts.- Riding the Wave: More on Wave Mechanics.- Introduction to Scattering.- Matrix Mechanics.- Angular Momentum.- Multi-Particle Quantum Mechanics.- Quantum Electromagnetic Radiation.- Desultory Topics in Quantum Mechanics.- Appendices.