The proposed book consists of two parts and is devoted to the systematic analysis of quantum mechanics and the modern theory of electromagnetic phenomena. Some inaccuracies of the application of mathematics in theoretical physics are discussed. This first part examines in detail the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, its apparatus, methods and applications and demonstrates their groundlessness, and often the internal inconsistency of the most common version of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. The book contains a critical analysis of the experiments underlying this theory. All this together proves that the generally accepted version of quantum mechanics is a temporary construction, and the creation of a new consistent theory of the microcosm is required. The book also discusses some alternative ideas applicable to the microcosm. This book may be useful for students, postgraduates, teachers, scientific and technical workers and anyone interested in the basics of physics. To the English version of the book. This is an English translation of the Russian version of the book. Quotations were also translated from Russian-language publications (therefore, for English-language works they are not a literal original, but they convey the essence of the quotations). However, references to pages or chapters have been corrected for the indicated English-language sources.
The proposed book consists of two parts and is devoted to the systematic analysis of quantum mechanics and the modern theory of electromagnetic phenomena. Some inaccuracies of the application of mathematics in theoretical physics are discussed. This first part examines in detail the basic concepts of quantum mechanics, its apparatus, methods and applications and demonstrates their groundlessness, and often the internal inconsistency of the most common version of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. The book contains a critical analysis of the experiments underlying this theory. All this together proves that the generally accepted version of quantum mechanics is a temporary construction, and the creation of a new consistent theory of the microcosm is required. The book also discusses some alternative ideas applicable to the microcosm. This book may be useful for students, postgraduates, teachers, scientific and technical workers and anyone interested in the basics of physics. To the English version of the book. This is an English translation of the Russian version of the book. Quotations were also translated from Russian-language publications (therefore, for English-language works they are not a literal original, but they convey the essence of the quotations). However, references to pages or chapters have been corrected for the indicated English-language sources.
Abstract This book provides the reader with a contemporary and comprehensive introduction to Quantum Mechanics. It is suitable for beginners as well as for more advanced university students. Quantum mechanics is presented in a pedagogical fashion, with a clear logical organization. The various concepts and methods are introduced first in elementary terms, and later developed into more precise formulations. Systematic studies of approximation methods and the discussion of a wide class of physical applications follow. Part I of the book, together with the opening sections of Part II, provide adequate material for an introductory course of one semester at most universities. The rest of the book might be used in an advanced course on Quantum Mechanics. The basic material is fairly standard, even though some discussions such as those on general systems with time-dependent Hamiltonians, on metastable systems, as well as the discussions in some of the Complement sections, may not be found in other textbooks. The book also contains many original observations or new ways of illustrating even well-known subjects. In fact, the authors wish to convey in this book the sense of wonder in the logical simplicity and at the same time the beauty of subtle and far-reaching consequences of Quantum Mechanics, to young physics students in particular. Problem sets are provided at the end of each chapter, to be solved either analytically or by numerical methods. The solutions to both types of problems are given as separate pdf files or as Mathematica notebooks (there are 88 of them), all together on a CD accompanying the textbook. The presence of such a collection of numerical analyses enriches the main text and is one of the characteristic features of the book. With the many interesting systems discussed, the book will also be a useful reference for researchers and teachers. It provides the reader with a unique, enjoyable and rather complete textbook of Quantum Mechanics, destined to set a new standard for many years to come.
Scope of this book Quantum mechanics is a difficult subject, and this book is intended to help the reader overcome the main difficulties in the way to understanding it. The first part of the book, Chs. 2–16, contains a systematic presentation of the basic principles of quantum theory, along with a number of examples which illustrate how these principles apply to particular quantum systems. The applications are, for the most part, limited to toy models whose simple structure allows one to see what is going on without using complicated mathematics or lengthy formulas. The principles themselves, however, are formulated in such a way that they can be applied to (almost) any nonrelativistic quantum system. In the second part of the book, Chs. 17–25, these principles are applied to quantum measurements and various quantum paradoxes, subjects which give rise to serious conceptual problems when they are not treated in a fully consistent manner. The final chapters are of a somewhat different character. Chapter 26 on decoherence and the classical limit of quantum theory is a very sketchy introduction to these important topics along with some indication as to how the basic principles presented in the first part of the book can be used for understanding them. Chapter 27 on quantum theory and reality belongs to the interface between physics and philosophy and indicates why quantum theory is compatible with a real world whose existence is not dependent on what scientists think and believe, or the experiments they choose to carry out. The Bibliography contains references for those interested in further reading or in tracing the origin of some of the ideas presented in earlier chapters.
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement, and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.
Quantum physics is believed to be the fundamental theory underlying our understanding of the physical universe. However, it is based on concepts and principles that have always been difficult to understand and controversial in their interpretation. This book aims to explain these issues using a minimum of technical language and mathematics. After a brief introduction to the ideas of quantum physics, the problems of interpretation are identified and explained. The rest of the book surveys, describes and criticises a range of suggestions that have been made with the aim of resolving these problems; these include the traditional, or 'Copenhagen' interpretation, the possible role of the conscious mind in measurement and the postulate of parallel universes. This new edition has been revised throughout to take into account developments in this field over the past fifteen years, including the idea of 'consistent histories' to which a completely new chapter is devoted.
This novel text directly addresses common claims and misconceptions around quantum mechanics and presents a fresh and modern understanding of this fundamental and essential physical theory. It begins with a non-mathematical introduction to some of the more controversial topics in the foundations of quantum mechanics. For those more familiar with the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, the text moves on to a general introduction to quantum field theory, followed by a detailed discussion of cutting-edge topics in this area such as decoherence and spontaneous coherence. Several important philosophical problems in quantum mechanics are considered, and their interpretations are compared, notably the Copenhagen and many-worlds interpretations. The inclusion of frequent real-world examples, such as superconductors and superfluids, ensures the book remains grounded in modern research. This book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in both physics and the philosophy of science interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics.
Quantum Mechanics is one of the most fundamental and intellectually profound branches of modern physics. It provides the theoretical framework for understanding the behavior of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic scales and forms the basis for numerous advancements in science and technology, including semiconductor devices, lasers, nanotechnology, quantum computing, and quantum communication. Despite its abstract nature, quantum mechanics remains indispensable for explaining physical phenomena that cannot be addressed by classical physics. This book, Quantum Mechanics, has been written with the primary objective of presenting the subject in a clear, logical, and student-friendly manner, while maintaining the necessary mathematical rigor and conceptual depth. The text is designed to bridge the gap between classical physics and quantum theory, guiding readers through the evolution of ideas that led to the development of quantum mechanics and its modern interpretations. The book begins with an introduction to the historical background and foundational principles of quantum theory, highlighting the limitations of classical mechanics and the emergence of quantum concepts such as wave–particle duality and quantization. It then systematically develops the mathematical framework of quantum mechanics, including the Schrödinger equation, wave functions, operators, eigenvalue problems, and measurement theory. Key quantum systems and applications are discussed with careful attention to physical interpretation and problem-solving strategies. Special emphasis has been placed on clarity of explanation, step-by-step derivations, and the use of illustrative examples to help students develop a strong conceptual understanding. Each chapter is organized in a structured manner to support effective learning and includes solved problems and exercises that reinforce theoretical concepts and analytical skills. This book is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students of physics, engineering, and allied disciplines, and it will also serve as a useful reference for educators and researchers. The content has been aligned with standard university curricula and is suitable for both classroom instruction and self-study. It is the author’s sincere hope that this book will make the study of quantum mechanics more accessible and intellectually rewarding, encouraging readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the quantum nature of the physical world. Constructive feedback and suggestions from readers are welcome and will be valuable for improving future editions of this book.