The subjects of atomic, molecular and solid-state physics have only rarely been treated at an advanced level in a single volume. The notable exception, of course, is John C. Slater’s Quantum Theory of Matter. In the present book the three authors, Michael Morrison, Thomas Estle and Neal Lane, stress the unity among these fields by ernphasizing the concept of electronic quantum states in atoms, diatomic molecules and crystalline solids. Such a combination should be of basic interest to students in a variety of scientific fields and also form the basis for more advanced work in those three subjects themselves. This is a textbook of applied quantum mechanics directed to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, chemistry and engineering; the authors assume a previous introduction to quantum mechanics.
The subjects of atomic, molecular and solid-state physics have only rarely been treated at an advanced level in a single volume. The notable exception, of course, is John C. Slater’s Quantum Theory of Matter. In the present book the three authors, Michael Morrison, Thomas Estle and Neal Lane, stress the unity among these fields by ernphasizing the concept of electronic quantum states in atoms, diatomic molecules and crystalline solids. Such a combination should be of basic interest to students in a variety of scientific fields and also form the basis for more advanced work in those three subjects themselves. This is a textbook of applied quantum mechanics directed to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, chemistry and engineering; the authors assume a previous introduction to quantum mechanics.
ISBN: 0 471 96364 X Although the author claims to have written a `novel introduction' to the quantum theory of matter, this book is certainly just one of a wealth of books on that subject appearing on the market every year. What is really novel about the presentation is that the more `formal aspects' of quantum mechanics, especially a discussion of the Schrodinger equation, are relegated to an appendix, while in the text only specific solutions to that fundamental equation are discussed. On the other hand, the book certainly provides an extensive outline of various applications of quantum mechanics to atoms, molecules and solids. On the atomic level even the emission of light, spin and many electron atoms are treated; similarly on the molecular scale the most important aspects are presented. Almost one half of the book is devoted to the quantum theory of solids, and here the range of topics includes, of course, the band model and its various implications, but also surfaces and non-crystalline solids. Due to the aim of the book the author had to present various complex situations in an abbreviated form, thereby sometimes losing the rigour of the necessary proof of the statements. But, taken altogether, the book will provide the reader with an overall view, and sometimes an in-depth discussion, of the quantum world of atoms, molecules and solids. Somewhat distracting might be the large number of footnotes collected at the end of each chapter; of advantage, however, are the selections of problems there.
Quantum mechanics has evolved from a subject of study in pure physics to one with a wide range of applications in many diverse fields. The basic concepts of quantum mechanics are explained in this book in a concise and easy-to-read manner, leading toward applications in solid-state electronics and optics. Following a logical sequence, the book focuses on key ideas and is conceptually and mathematically self-contained. The fundamental principles of quantum mechanics are illustrated by showing their application to systems such as the hydrogen atom, multi-electron ions and atoms, the formation of simple organic molecules and crystalline solids of practical importance. It leads on from these basic concepts to discuss some of the most significant applications in semiconductor electronics and optics. Containing many homework problems, the book is suitable for senior-level undergraduate and graduate-level students in electrical engineering, material sciences, applied physics and chemistry.
This concise and accessible book provides a detailed introduction to the fundamental principles of atomic physics at an undergraduate level. Concepts are explained in an intuitive way and the book assumes only a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. With a compact format specifically designed for students, the first part of the book covers the key principles of the subject, including the quantum theory of the hydrogen atom, radiative transitions, the shell model of multi-electron atoms, spin-orbit coupling, and the effects of external fields. The second part provides an introduction to the four key applications of atomic physics: lasers, cold atoms, solid-state spectroscopy and astrophysics. This highly pedagogical text includes worked examples and end of chapter problems to allow students to test their knowledge, as well as numerous diagrams of key concepts, making it perfect for undergraduate students looking for a succinct primer on the concepts and applications of atomic physics.
This modern textbook offers an introduction to Quantum Mechanics as a theory that underlies the world around us, from atoms and molecules to materials, lasers, and other applications. The main features of the book are: * Emphasis on the key principles with minimal mathematical formalism * Demystifying discussions of the basic features of quantum systems, using dimensional analysis and order-of-magnitude estimates to develop intuition * Comprehensive overview of the key concepts of quantum chemistry and the electronic structure of solids * Extensive discussion of the basic processes and applications of light-matter interactions * Online supplement with advanced theory, multiple-choice quizzes, etc.
This textbook is an accessible introduction to the theory underlying the many fascinating properties of solids. Assuming only an elementary knowledge of quantum mechanics, it describes the methods by which one can perform calculations and make predictions of some of the many complex phenomena that occur in solids and quantum liquids. The emphasis is on reaching important results by direct and intuitive methods, and avoiding unnecessary mathematical complexity. Designed as a self-contained text that starts at an elementary level and proceeds to more advanced topics, this book is aimed primarily at advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering. Problem sets are included at the end of each chapter, with solutions available to lecturers. The coverage of some of fascinating developments in condensed matter physics will also appeal to experienced scientists in industry and academia working on electrical properties of materials.
The book is designed to serve as an `upper-level one-semester course in Quantum mechanics for students majoring in physics or related topics'. To that purpose the author has organised the contents into roughly six parts, giving first a historical introduction into quanta and matter waves, then the solution of the Schrödinger equations in one, and subsequently in three dimensions; in a fourth part spin and the concept of identical particles are explained, whilst in the next the approximation (perturbation) methods and their application to atomic systems and the creation and transfer of radiations. Finally there are two chapters on molecular and solid state physics. Each chapter is accompanied by a selection of appropriate problems. Appendix, index plus diskette are provided. As the author states, the topics and examples were taken from his other (successful) book, Introduction to Modern Physics . It appears to the reviewer that the present account may indeed serve as a first introduction into the elementary aspects of quantum mechanics, with particular emphasis on explaining the basic concepts (like spin, statistics, even the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox). Addressed are the slightly advanced students of science. The language is clear, the formal apparatus does not overwhelm the reader, and the figures have been carefully selected and drawn. We do recommend the book for the purpose envisaged. It raises the appetite for a more systematic and extended study of the subject.