Abstract Understanding the quantum problem of a free charged particle undergoing two-dimensional motion in a perpendicular uniform, constant magnetic field is necessary to the comprehension of some very important phenomena in physics. In particular, a grasp of the nature of the Landau states in a symmetric gauge is crucial to explain the underlying principles of quantum Hall effects. In this work we provide a step-by-step solution of this quantum problem in a pedagogical fashion that is easy to follow by an audience of undergraduate students and prospective physics teachers. This approach should enable undergraduate students to comprehend all the technical mathematical details involved in the process. Such details are routinely missing from mainstream quantum mechanics textbooks. In particular, this study allows a broad audience of students and teachers to gradually absorb knowledge not only on basic principles of quantum mechanics, but also on various special mathematical functions that are encountered in the process.
Abstract Understanding the quantum problem of a free charged particle undergoing two-dimensional motion in a perpendicular uniform, constant magnetic field is necessary to the comprehension of some very important phenomena in physics. In particular, a grasp of the nature of the Landau states in a symmetric gauge is crucial to explain the underlying principles of quantum Hall effects. In this work we provide a step-by-step solution of this quantum problem in a pedagogical fashion that is easy to follow by an audience of undergraduate students and prospective physics teachers. This approach should enable undergraduate students to comprehend all the technical mathematical details involved in the process. Such details are routinely missing from mainstream quantum mechanics textbooks. In particular, this study allows a broad audience of students and teachers to gradually absorb knowledge not only on basic principles of quantum mechanics, but also on various special mathematical functions that are encountered in the process.
Students and instructors alike will find this organized and detailed approach to quantum mechanics ideal for a two-semester graduate course on the subject. This textbook covers, step-by-step, important topics in quantum mechanics, from traditional subjects like bound states, perturbation theory and scattering, to more current topics such as coherent states, quantum Hall effect, spontaneous symmetry breaking, superconductivity, and basic quantum electrodynamics with radiative corrections. The large number of diverse topics are covered in concise, highly focused chapters, and are explained in simple but mathematically rigorous ways. Derivations of results and formulae are carried out from beginning to end, without leaving students to complete them. With over 200 exercises to aid understanding of the subject, this textbook provides a thorough grounding for students planning to enter research in physics. Several exercises are solved in the text, and password-protected solutions for remaining exercises are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521877602.
Written for a two-semester graduate course in Quantum Mechanics, this comprehensive text helps develop the tools and formalism of Quantum Mechanics and its applications to physical systems. It suits students who have taken some introductory Quantum Mechanics and Modern Physics courses at undergraduate level, but it is self-contained and does not assume any specific background knowledge beyond appropriate fluency in mathematics. The text takes a modern logical approach rather than a historical one and it covers standard material, such as the hydrogen atom and the harmonic oscillator, the WKB approximations and Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization. Important modern topics and examples are also described, including Berry phase, quantum information, complexity and chaos, decoherence and thermalization, nonstandard statistics, as well as more advanced material such as path integrals, scattering theory, multiparticles and Fock space. Readers will gain a broad overview of Quantum Mechanics, as solid preparation for further study or research.
This collection of solved problems corresponds to the standard topics covered in established undergraduate and graduate courses in Quantum Mechanics. Problems are also included on topics of interest which are often absent in the existing literature. Solutions are presented in considerable detail, to enable students to follow each step. The emphasis is on stressing the principles and methods used, allowing students to master new ways of thinking and problem-solving techniques. The problems themselves are longer than those usually encountered in textbooks and consist of a number of questions based around a central theme, highlighting properties and concepts of interest. For undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those involved in teaching Quantum Mechanics, the book can be used as a supplementary text or as an independent self-study tool.
Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.
Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.
Designed for a two-semester advanced undergraduate or graduate level course, this distinctive and modern textbook provides students with the physical intuition and mathematical skills to tackle even complex problems in quantum mechanics with ease and fluency. Beginning with a detailed introduction to quantum states and Dirac notation, the book then develops the overarching theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, before explaining physical quantum mechanical properties such as angular momentum and spin. Symmetries and groups in quantum mechanics, important components of current research, are covered at length. The second part of the text focuses on applications, and includes a detailed chapter on quantum entanglement, one of the most exciting modern applications of quantum mechanics, and of key importance in quantum information and computation. Numerous exercises are interspersed throughout the text, expanding upon key concepts and further developing students' understanding. A fully worked solutions manual and lecture slides are available for instructors.