Product Description
Inspired by Richard Feynman and J.J. Sakurai, A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics lets professors expose their undergraduates to the excitement and insight of Feynman's approach to quantum mechanics while simultaneously giving them a textbook that is well-ordered, logical, and pedagogically sound. This book covers all the topics that are typically presented in a standard upper-level course in quantum mechanics, but its teaching approach is new: Rather than organizing his book according to the historical development of the field and jumping into a mathematical discussion of wave mechanics, Townsend begins his book with the quantum mechanics of spin. Thus, the first five chapters of the book succeed in laying out the fundamentals of quantum mechanics with little or no wave mechanics, so the physics is not obscured by mathematics. Starting with spin systems gives students something new and interesting while providing elegant but straightforward examples of the essential structure of quantum mechanics. When wave mechanics is introduced later, students perceive it correctly as only one aspect of quantum mechanics and not the core of the subject. Praised for its pedagogical brilliance, clear writing, and careful explanations, this book is destined to become a landmark text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Dirac Explained Easy
Aside from giving detailed description of the book which other reviewers have already done, I want to express my respect for this book by saying: Even though I worked through almost all parts of the book and solved a greater portion of the problems with a library copy, I want to buy and keep a copy now--if it's appreciably cheaper than the current price.

Amazing!
This a great QM book! There are few better on the market. I highly recommend it.

A nice presentation of quantum under one condition....
You must have an exceptional understanding of the historical development of quantum mechanics. This book entire ignores this, but otherwise is phenomenal. Knowledge of the historical development of quantum is vital for anyone who wants to be a good physicist. By studying this development, you learn what kinds of problems physicists come up with and how they got around them. Physicist must be trained in not only what the existing theories are, but how to interpret data and think outside of the box to solve problems.

Once the student has mastered this part(perhaps in a Modern Physics class, as the preface suggests) he will be ready for this book. Townsend's approach is unique, he starts with a simple, two-state system (spin in electrons in the Stern-Gerlach experiment) and spends considerable time early on familiarizing the student with matrix mechanics and angular momentum. You will not see a Schroedinger equation until the fourth chapter, and this is just a generalized version. Wave properties of matter do not enter until the sixth chapter.

This book will present a lot of information in a sensible form and offer several challenging but doable (if you have the persistence) problems. By itself, however, it will not make you a good physicist - it explains the material, but not the way scientists figured the material out.

A Truly Modern Approach
The author follows the unconventional approach first used in Volume III of Feynmann's "introductory" lectures, starting immediately with purely quantum phenomena (like spin) and reaching more familiar topics (wave mechanics, the harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom, ...) much later.It's definitely not the first book or even the second that one should read on the subject!But after struggling with Feynmann, Dirac, Weinberg et al., I found Townsend a kinder and gentler version that left me appreciating for the first time the fundamental role of symmetry transformations.In that sense the book really did introduce me to "the modern approach."The final chapters -- time-independent perturbations, identical particles, scattering, photons and atoms -- make the connection with atomic and molecular physics and then prepare the ground for future study of QED and other field theories.Altogether marvelous in my view, though I can understand why readers seem to either love it or hate it.

Absurd, circular reasoning, uses the infamous "its trivial to show" argument when ever something is difficult.
This book is absolutely horrendous. This book was specified for my 400 level quantum class, after hours of intense study, trying to sort threw Townsends circular reasoning and gross ommissions, i have reverted to using a multitude of other textbooks and keeping Townsend closed.

It is very often that Townsend claims that the math shows a physics principle is true, then later makes hand waving type arguments, claiming that certain math must be true because it fits the physics. Math does not work in this matter. The relations he presents are correct, but his reasoning is often dubious.

Townsend often present arbitrary operators, claiming they are "natural" without any explanation, and proceeds to write proofs, without ever stating the purpose of the proof. At the end of such a proof, you may garner what he intended to show, but this vague method is ridiculous. I couldn't imagine any physicist or mathematician starting a proof without first presenting an idea of what they intend to show, or without a discussion of why an operator should be represented in a certain manner.

There is no chapter dedicated to linear algebra principles, or dirac notation as a mathematical construct. Townsend makes hand waving type arguments about what a bra and ket represent in relation to a 1/2 spin particle, leaving out any solid foundation. A more advanced book, "Quantum Mechanics" by Trigg, has a very indepth discussion of linear algebra and group theory. Amazingly, despite the much more indepth nature, the math presented is much easier to follow then the obtuse writings of Townsend.

Townsend often avoids comparing quantum mechanical processes to classical analogies, where these analogies would be very helpful. He also skips steps, claiming them trivial, which often take several pages of math to show.

This book is poor as both a reference, due to its lack of rigor and dubious reasoning, and poor as a teaching tool due to its poor presentation style and ommissions. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Not a Good Introduction
Unless you have many, many years of advanced mathematics under your belt don't bother. Also, there are no examples actually pertaining to QM.

Brief but enjoyable primer
This is a brief but good introduction to operators, eigenvalues, and linear vector spaces. The discussion starts out with motivating the study of eigenvalues, which emerged from problems such as that of a vibrating string, and other problems with boundary conditions. The book then goes on to consider orthogonal functions and expansions, Sturm-Liouville theory and linear operators, and the last chapter is on vector spaces. Plus there are two appendices, one on Bessel cylindrical functions and the other on Legendre functions and spherical harmonics.

The vector chapter is over 40 pages and about half of the book, the other chapters being relatively brief, but enough to get your feet wet. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Sturm-Liouville theory, which I didn't know much about before, but had heard about for many years. For a little primer it was fine for that purpose and was money well spent, considering that the book was only eight bucks (with a one dollar discount for paperbacks at B & N).

I'm a big fan of the Dover paperbacks which often reprint quality classics at a fraction of what you'd pay for a modern text, and which are often better. Some advanced books in math and engineering these days can be $80 to $120, so Dover paperbacks at ten to fifteen dollars are a bargain. I have many of the Dover books in math and the sciences and consider them the foundation of that part of my library, even if I own other more expensive, more recent volumes. ... Read more

Product Description
The Consortium for Upper Level Physics Software (CUPS) has developed a comprehensive series of Nine Book/Software packages that Wiley will publish in FY '95 and '96. CUPS is an international group of 27 physicists, all with extensive backgrounds in the research, teaching, and development of instructional software. The project is being supported by the National Science Foundation (PHY-9014548), and it has received other support from the IBM Corp., Apple Computer Corp., and George Mason University. The Simulations being developed are: Astrophysics, Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Modern Physics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State, Thermal and Statistical, and Waves and Optics. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (60)

pigeon-flyer
Looks like it is at the right level to get a first introduction to the field.

The MVP of QFT Books
I have the impression that few people in the world understand QFT but still much fewer people understand it in an extremely deep way. I also feel as though you can judge a lecturer's depth of knowledge by the existence of "gems of insight" and idiosyncratic "pearls of wisdom", which can cause you to look differently at a subject that you thought you knew well. After having attended a very large number of lectures on QFT, Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell appears to be nothing more than a large and dense collection of these gems and pearls. It's absolutely fantastic.

"I and the A and the Zee"
The second edition corrects the only two flaws in the first: (1) Mr Zee had failed to praise himself sufficiently highly, and (2) Mr Zee had failed to censure his critics sufficiently harshly. Having remedied these deficiencies, Mr Zee has created the perfect book.

Not for dummies.
I was tempted to give this book four stars, simply to stand out among the sea of five star reviews, but I cannot, for this book truly is deserving of five stars.This is indeed a wonderful book, though it is not the mythic "one field theory text you will ever need" or the book that can make Sarah Palin understand instantons.

This book covers quite a bit of ground, but that does not mean it is shallow.I've read some crap textbooks whose authors try to cram every topic under the sun into the table of contents, but do nothing to convey any real understanding (I'm looking at you Professor Kaku).This book is at the other end of the spectrum.

In physics identifying the truly interesting questions usually proves to be more difficult than performing the calculations, and what this book does really well is show what the interesting questions are and why they are interesting.If the calculational details Zee presents are too sparse, and I think they are in a few places, you can always find more information on the interwebs.

I especially liked the occasional jabs Zee takes at those types who like to whine about a lack of rigor.To paraphrase the world's most interesting man, there is a time and place for rigor in quantum field theory.The time is never, I'll let you figure out the place on your own.

Anoutstanding textbook.
This is a wonderful textbook, by an experienced and skilled expositor. It takes material of great difficulty and makes it as clear and understandable as possible. The chapters are short, so the students never feels overwhelmed by a large volume of material. The Appendices on Group Theory and the Feynman Rules are most helpful, as is the appendix
containing solutions to selected exercises. Finally, it is pleasant to see material at this level presented with a warm sense of humor. I wish this book had been available when I was
a student.
My only adverse comment is that the book could be better still if it didn't spend half a dozen or so pages at the beginning extolling its own praises. ... Read more

Product Description
This manual contains the authors' detailed solutions to the 353 problems at the ends of the chapters in the third edition of Molecular Quantum Mechanics. Most problem solutions are accompanied by a further related exercise. The manual will be invaluable both to the instructors and lecturers who adopt the parent text and to the students themselves. ... Read more

Product Description
"Basic Matters" is a first introduction to quantum mechanics that does not assume any prior knowledge of the subject. The emphasis is on the general structure as the necessary foundation of any understanding. Starting from the simplest quantum phenomenon, the Stern-Gerlach experiment with its choice between two discrete outcomes, and ending with one-dimensional continuous systems, the physical concepts and notions as well as the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics are developed in successive, manageable steps. The presentation is modern inasmuch as the natural language of the trade - Dirac's kets and bras and so on - is introduced early, and the temporal evolution is dealt with in a picture-free manner, with Schrodinger's and Heisenberg's equations of motion side by side and on equal footing. The reader of "Simple Systems" is not expected to be familiar with the material in "Basic Matters", but should have the minimal knowledge of a standard brief introduction to quantum mechanics with its typical emphasis on one-dimensional position wave functions.The step to Dirac's more abstract and much more powerful formalism is taken immediately, followed by reviews of quantum kinematics and quantum dynamics. The important standard examples (force-free motion, constant force, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen-like atoms) are then treated in considerable detail, whereby a nonstandard perspective is offered wherever it is deemed feasible and useful. A final chapter is devoted to approximation methods, from the Hellmann-Feynman theorem to the WKB quantization rule. "Perturbed Evolution" has a closer link to "Simple Systems" than that volume has to "Basic Matters", but any reader familiar with the subject matter of a solid introduction to quantum mechanics - such as Dirac's formalism of kets and bras, Schrodinger's and Heisenberg's equations of motion, and the standard examples that can be treated exactly, with harmonic oscillators and hydrogen-like atoms among them - can cope with the somewhat advanced material of this volume, in part. The basics of kinematics and dynamics are reviewed at the outset, including discussions of Bohr's principle of complementarity and Schwinger's quantum action principle.The Born series, the Lippmann-Schwinger equation, and Fermi's golden rule are recurring themes in the treatment of the central subject matter - the evolution in the presence of perturbing interactions for which there are no exact solutions as one has them for the standard examples in "Simple Systems". The scattering by a localized potential is regarded as a perturbed evolution of a particular kind and is dealt with accordingly. The unique features of the scattering of indistinguishable quantum objects illustrate the nonclassical properties of bosons and fermions and prepare the groundwork for a discussion of multi-electron atoms. ... Read more

Product Description
The monograph presents a detailed study of a class of solvable models in quantum mechanics that describe the motion of a particle in a potential having support at the positions of a discrete (finite or infinite) set of point sources. Both situations--where the strengths of the sources and their locations are precisely known and where these are only known with a given probability distribution--are covered.

The authors present a systematic mathematical approach to these models and illustrate its connections with previous heuristic derivations and computations. Results obtained by different methods in disparate contexts are thus unified and a systematic control over approximations to the models, in which the point interactions are replaced by more regular ones, is provided.

The first edition of this monograph generated considerable interest for those learning advanced mathematical topics in quantum mechanics, especially those connected to the Schrödinger equations. This second edition includes a new appendix by Pavel Exner, who has prepared a summary of the progress made in the field since 1988. His summary, centering around two-body point interaction problems, is followed by a bibliography focusing on essential developments made since 1988.

The material is suitable for graduate students and researchers interested in quantum mechanics and Schrödinger operators. ... Read more

Product Description
This edition has been completely revised to include some 20% of new material. Important recent developments such as the theory of Regge poles are now included. Many problems with solutions have been added to those already contained in the book.


... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Good book, more classical notation
I like all Landau books, but in quantum mechanics I'd rather see more Bras and kets than wave functions.

Good Book, Hard read
This is a great book to reference if you already have some mastery of Quantum Mechanics.Does not who any math, but has many illustrating and difficult examples.

Marvellous
If one wants to understand Quantum Mechanics then she or he should read this book.

great book
this is very great theoretical quantum book. Although you cannot start learning quantum mechanics from this book, But for extended theoretical studies, in the concept of quantum mechanics in general, and also in specific fields. I recommend this book. This book is number 5 of my quantum books, it is so far the most consistent, but I understand also this is because quantum is not a strange subject to me any more. I really recommended forgraduate students, or undergraduates who have good understanding of the mathematical calculation for basic quantum.
great book after all.

Contents - Great, Print Quality - Really Bad
It is really a shame to have such a classic text with a typesetting that makes much of the mathematics almost unreadable.For example, the authors often use either a tilde, hat (carat), and dot (period) on top of operators, sometimes in combination.These are so badly rendered that you have to derive their identities from the context of the surrounding discussion.Frequently parts of characters are missing as if an old typewriter with a worn ribbon were used. I have 2 other volumes in this series (Mechanics andStatistical Physics Part 1) which do not suffer these defects.My 2-star rating is in no way a reflection of the contents nor the authors, which get 5 stars (based on the prose and the equations I CAN read). ... Read more

Product Description
Corresponding to the standard topics covered in established undergraduate courses in Quantum Mechanics, this collection of solved problems is completely up-to-date.The book also includes problems on topics of current interest 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 book can be used as a supplementary text or as an independent self-study tool. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Shade Tree Quantum Mechanic
This is a superb difficult book, not for the faint-hearted.It contains solutions involving Green's Functions and Propagators, not usully found in such books.Don't look for detailed solutions to the "usual suspects" - if they're there, they are there to support the more challening problems.The solutions do not always include as many steps as I like to include.Filling them in adds to one's understanding of the method of solution.I didn't always like the path the book tread and followed a different one - at least I had something to compare to 5 pages later.(The book's solution was nearly always (if not, always) superior to mine.But you know "My solution, right or wrong, but my solution!"

The problems are at a level (and some correspond to) the text by Mertzbacher.I showed the book to my QM professor and his response was to write down the ISBN.Not every type of problem at this level is solved and I would get Zetelli's "Quantum Physics" to fill in gaps, say in WKB and Angular Momentum.There are a number of other useful books, for example, "Problems and Solutions in Quantum Mechanics" written in China based on US university qualifying exam problems, and a short, but very good, book from Cambridge U. Press: Squires - "Problems in Quantum Mechanics - with Solutions" which covers problems through time-dependent perturbation theory. ... Read more

Product Description
Nonmathematical but thorough explanation of work of Planck, Einstein, Bohr, Pauli, Heisenberg, Dirac, etc. "Postscript 1959."
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Strange Story of the Quantum
This book is absolutly amazing, with very clear language that anyone could almsot understand. The beginning of the book does really start off as some dramatic book, but in the end, when all the dots are connected, you get the clearest explanation of why quantum world is random, but not the psuedo-random like the toss of a coin. At the points when the things really need to be explained as clearly as possible to the reader, the author does just that and leaves the story writting outline aside, while making sure that the reader really comperhands all the unusual quantum phenomena.

Hoffmann Loses and Finds Form
In Hoffmann's metaphorical language, exploration of the microcosm is like approximating a circle by means of polygons of greater and greater numbers of sides. You can't go on ad infinitum. The quantum is a minimum discernable action (energy acting over time) placing a limit on precision. You can never get as precise as the circle and therefore it disappears from reality. There are only polygons. But if there are no circles, why does the universe bother to approximate them?

Hoffmann does not ask or answer that last question, but he discovers form in another way. A supposed particulate object can possess a quantum without any formal precision; that is, you can't know its position or momentum exactly. Particles disappear into a smear and without them so do atoms (and molecules, etc.). In Hoffmann's analogy, you can see flowing water or water molecules, but you can't see both. The flow disappears when you try to discover of what it consists (where does the fire go when it goes out?). Similarly spacetime disappears among the indeterminate particles. This supposed event causes Hoffmann some regret, but why should it? He believes, it seems, in the perceived forms and cannot give them up for any indiscernable smears of action. We don't get any such affirmation, however. He obeys the unspoken protocol never to mix physics and metaphysics.

Physics can be Fun
I truly enjoyed this book. I enjoy physics, and this book I believe is great for anyone who wants to know about the history of the quantum.

Hoffman wrote this book as if he is speaking directly to you, with a sense of humor and wit.

Are physicist right-well, most of the time.

Wave or Particle...Particle or Wave? (no strings yet!)
This wonderful book written by Hoffman in 1947 (and updated in 1958) is timeless. That seems like a rather strange statement considering we are talking about physics, which seems to upend itself every 10 years! I am an avid fan of books on physics, astrophysics and cosmology. I have one major deficit and that is I have little math background. Hoffman's ability to write about complex concepts in a nonmathematical format is superb. His historical accounting of how classical physics was astounded by quantum physics is both stimulating and entertaining. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about the origins of today's popular thoughts in physics.

A droll depiction of violet (and other) catastrophes
Hoffman writes with attention to scientific detail as well as with a wry sense of humor:

Is light a wave or a particle? Yes!
Is the electron here or there? Yes!
Do physicists really know what they're talking about? Yes!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Superb but for modern courses not introductory
This is the kind of book every physics student should read. It is rigorous, yet highly descriptive. It takes the reader from the fundamentals to well beyond the level of a first and even second course in undergraduate Quantum Mechanics. It even finds space to review fundamentals like classical mechanics and Fourier methods missing from many courses, where the Hamiltonian is just thrown in.

But in the modern age this is its one drawback. The some of the mathematical subtleties may come a little too early for the student. The going is not too heavy though and if an undergraduate math reference is handy the continuity can be maintained.

This is not a flick though book. To get the most out of it, it should be read with pen and paper. It does not set formal exercises in the text (though there are many at the end of each chapter) but the descriptions and derivations have turns that need to be worked through, not just skimmed.

After reading a more hand holding introduction like Griffiths, this book takes it to the next level. Once the student is sure he will pass the exam, he can learn some more stimulating aspects of the subject.

More advanced students can go straight in the effort will be richly rewarded.

Thin but thick!
This thin book (369 pages) is very concise and wide ranging.It has a nice final chapter on quantum statistical mechanics.The book reads well if you are already familiar with the subject.I would also like to see this book reprinted since it reflects a writing style that is a great blend of narrative and mathematical demonstration.

A gem.Still reads very well.
I bought this because it was praised by Sakurai in his _Modern Quantum Mechanics_ book, and also by Gasiorowicz in his book. It is indeed a very well written and lucid book. The traditional wave and matrix mechanics approaches are used, though there's a little bit of Dirac notation (but with round brackets instead of angle brackets!) All the usual topics are here: wave packets, Schrödinger's equation, angular momentum, hydrogen atom, perturbation theory, electromagnetic interaction, scattering, and identical particles. There are helpful background chapters on Fourier techniques and classical mechanics (e.g. Poisson brackets and canonical transformations), a chapter on quantum measurement, one on the correspondence principle, a chapter on transformations of representations, and a final chapter on quantum-statistical mechanics. Overall, the book is very strong on fundamentals, but still manages to be very concise at 369 pages. And, typical of books from this publisher in that era, it's beautifully printed. Used copies seem easy to find, but I hope someone reprints it (Dover, are you listening?) ... Read more

Product Description
* Which problems do arise within relativistic enhancements of the Schrödinger theory, especially if one adheres to the usual one-particle interpretation?* To what extent can these problems be overcome? * What is the physical necessity of quantum field theories?In many textbooks, only insufficient answers to these fundamental questions are provided by treating the relativistic quantum mechanical one-particle concept very superficially and instead introducing field quantization as soon as possible. By contrast, this book emphasizes particularly this point of view (relativistic quantum mechanics in the ''narrow sense''): it extensively discusses the relativistic one-particle view and reveals its problems and limitations, therefore illustrating the necessity of quantized fields in a physically comprehensible way.The first two chapters contain a detailed presentation and comparison of the Klein-Gordon and Dirac theory, always with a view to the non-relativistic theory. In the third chapter, we consider relativistic scattering processes and develop the Feynman rules from propagator techniques. This is where the indispensability of quantum field theory reasoning becomes apparent and basic quantum field theory concepts are introduced.This textbook addresses undergraduate and graduate Physics students who are interested in a clearly arranged and structured presentation of relativistic quantum mechanics in the "narrow sense" and its connection to quantum field theories. Each section contains a short summary and exercises with solutions. A mathematical appendix rounds out this excellent textbook on relativistic quantum mechanics. ... Read more

Product Description
Quantum mechanics - central not only to physics, but also to chemistry, materials science, and other fields - is notoriously abstract and difficult. Essential Quantum Mechanics is a uniquely concise and explanatory book that fills the gap between introductory and advanced courses, between popularizations and technical treatises.

By focusing on the fundamental structure, concepts, and methods of quantum mechanics, this introductory yet sophisticated work emphasizes both physical and mathematical understanding. A modern perspective is adopted throughout - the goal, in part, being to gain entry into the world of 'real' quantum mechanics, as used by practicing scientists.
With over 60 original problems, Essential Quantum Mechanics is suitable as either a text or a reference. It will be invaluable to physics students as well as chemists, electrical engineers, philosophers, and others whose work is impacted by quantum mechanics, or who simply wish to better understand this fascinating subjects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Conceptual introduction for people with math
I'm a professional statistician with a PhD in math.How can someone like me -- who is not interested in solving the Schrodinger equation in multiple settings -- attain a conceptual understanding of quantum mechanics at a much better level than afforded by popularizations?I looked through my university physics library, dipped into several texts, and then discovered Bowman. He does a brilliant job of using considerable math (but all basically undergrad level) to help convey both the flavor and the concepts of quantum mechanics. He even warns about the unbalanced picture a beginner will get from formal intro texts that _do_ spend much of their space solving the time-independent Schrodinger equation. If you are quantitatively somewhat sophisticated and your interest in QM, like mine, is mainly intellectual, this may be the place to both start and stop.

Great supplementary text for self-study
This book nicely complements standard QM textbooks and is very useful for self-study.The author explains in some detail a number of fundamental concepts (such as superposition, quantum state versus different representations of a quantum state, probability and uncertainty, time evolution and unitary transformations) and conceptual subtleties that are often insufficiently addressed in typical textbooks. The presentation is rigorous enough to be clear and useful without going overboard mathematically.The book is short so you can work through it fairly quickly.

Of particular note are his splendid explanations of the role of complex numbers in quantum states, global versus relative phase (describing in detail how and when relative phase can alter probabilities) as well as time evolution and how unitary operators work. He nicely puts this together in section 11.2.2. Unitarity and Phase Revisited, where he goes through a simple example showing how time evolution of a state in superposition introduces relative phases that alter probabilities of measurement outcomes. The book also contains a somewhat more technical appendix on unitary operators, finite transformations and generators, which I found quite helpful.

There are not many examples because the book is not meant to replace standard textbooks.But the author goes to great pains to be clear without being verbose.I really enjoyed this book; in fact, I couldn't put it down.If you are learning quantum mechanics but somehow feel you "can't quite see the forest for the trees", then do yourself a favor and give this book a workout.

Excellent Complement of Quantum Mechanics
The book "Essential Quantum Mechanics" is an excellent complement to standard textbooks on quantum mechanics. It shows a very good insight into the quantum states, the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues, the operators, and the observables. It has an excellent treatment of the subject of bras and kets, and matrix representation of vectors and operators. The book has helped me in better understanding these mathematical computations. The book is not a stand-alone text on quantum mechanics for it does not have all the historical background and experiments that led to Q.M but it is an excellent reference that can help clarify concepts and computations, and for this it deserves a very high rating. ... Read more

Product Description
Invaluable guide consists of problems in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics together with their solutions. Illustrates certain aspects of quantum mechanics and enables students to learn new concepts, as well as providing practice in problem solving. Softcover. Hardcover available. ... Read more

Product Description
Lucid, carefully reasoned account that explores experimental evidence and theoretical considerations about the wave nature of free particles and their role in quantum theory. Contents: I. The Foundations of Quantum Theory. 1. Quantum theory of free particles. 2. Non-relativistic quantum theory of bound particles. 3. The non-relativistic treatment of the many-body problem. 4. Transformation theory. 5. Perturbation theory. II. Quantum Theory of the Electron and of Radiation. 6. The spinning electron. 7. The exclusion principle. 8. Electromagnetic radiation. Index. Unabridged republication of the 1957 edition. 14 Figures.
... Read more

Product Description
This work provides an account of the philosophical foundations of quantum theory that should become a text for scientists and nonscientists alike. Hughes offers a detailed and accessible analysis for the Hilbert-space models used in quantum theory and explains why they are so successful. He goes on to show how the very suitability of Hilbert spaces for modelling the quantum world gives rise to deep problems of interpretation, and makes suggestions about how they can be overcome. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Interpretation Of Quantum Mechanics
This is basically a Philosophical/Logical Analysis of the
fundamental assumptions of Quantum Mechanics. What it comes
down to in the end is that it decides, for example, the
adoption of Hilbert Space to work in is (philosophically/
logically)justifiable for the development of the
mathematical underpinning of Quantum Mechanics! So, what
else is new?
What other Infinite Dimensional Space, other than Hilbert's
would improve matters? For example, could QED have been
developed on a more promising basis using a different Space assumption than Hilbert's? This book does not provide an answer.

Quantum Mechanics Without Physics
The math parts of this book are rather nice, but (as Hughes, to his credit, acknowledges) the book has the same problem as many other books written in the philosophy of science: in trying to neatly summarize the 'structure' of the subject, you get only a lifeless corpse of something that in fact is somewhat bloody and raw.Quantum mechanics, if you would take the word of philosophers for it, is a neat, self-contained bit of science from which all other science flows.The problem is, even if that were in some sense correct (an assertion I'm not entirely convinced of), then you'd have some tough explaining of how the other, extravagantly successful theories in physics come from it.Books like this skew away from that sort of practical consideration.Hughes, in later chapters, seems to think that the language of quantum mechanics is terribly important, but doesn't come to grips with the ways in which QM is actually used.You don't get the raw, bloody results of perturbation theory, the messy approximations that constitute the major part of the usage of QM in real-life scientific situations.

Perhaps these criticisms shouldn't strictly apply to this book.After all, the title is 'The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics,' and, indeed, the first part of the book discusses the mathematical formalism (the 'structure'), and the second part of the book describes the way that different people have thought about QM (the 'interpretation').So if I were to be absolutely fair in my review of the book, I'd have to say that Hughes succeeds in his main intentions.But at the same time, I can't give the book a wholehearted reccomendation, because I feel that in describing a the 'theory' in a setting entirely divorced from its experimental applications, it gives a very misleading understanding of what the whole enterprise is actually about.For instance, in the later sections of the book when Hughes argues against the view that QM is about matter waves, this seems to me to be very wrongheaded; if one of the historical justifications of a topic is the whole de Broglie idea, then why should we give it up, just because it isn't hardwired into the formalism?

It's not so much that I don't like this book as that I think that if one read it without quite a bit of physics background, he might end up more confused than he started.If you divorce 'physics' from describing actual, concrete physical systems, of course it'll seem strange.Do yourself a favor, and read a book describing some actual quantum mechanics, as it's used.Principles of Quantum Mechanics is a nice place to start.

20% solid math 80% meaningless mumbo-jumbo
I bought this text when I was first interested in learning the math behind quantum mechanics. I was attracted to the exposition of the mathematical formalism of spin. That part of the book did not disappoint. But the remainder was almost unreadable: longwinded, pretentious pontifications on the "meaning" of quantum mechanics. The author could have saved many pages by substituting the following: "I really don't know what the "meaning" of quantum mechanics is". No shame there. As Richard Feynman once said: "Nobody understands quantum mechanics." And he should know.

One of the Very Best
This is one of the most lucid accounts of a subject famous for its obscurity.

Hughes is one of a precious few who has one foot firmly planted in the science and the other in the broader philosophical tradition.

His text, a contemporary classic, sits comfortably on the shelf in the company of Jammer, Cushing, Shimony and D'Espangnat. Everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals can profit from this work. I heartily recommend it to anyone keen to understand the foundations of quantum theory -- a timely subject, now stirring to life after 60 years of slumber.

In depth analysis
This book provides an excellent analysis of relevant and interesting points raised by quantum physics in philosophy as well as detailed and useful explanations of the physics itself - something many books cannot do.The explanation of the physics, the experiments and their results provide material to think on.Simple, arbitrary conclusions leave no room for thought - analysis of real life experiments provoke thought.

The math is not easy for an inexperienced student, though the subject in general tends to preclude those.I had just taken a class on matrix mechanics and I was so greatful I had, as it let me actually visualize the equations rather than simply read the letters and symbols.

An excellent launching pad for those who are already familiar with EPR, the slit experiment and quantum spin, etc. and want to know what it all means. ... Read more

Product Description
This advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level text introduces the power of operator theory as a tool in the study of quantum mechanics, assuming only a working knowledge of advanced calculus and no background in physics. The author presents a few simple postulates describing quantum theory, gradually introducing the mathematical techniques that help answer questions important to the physical theory. The entire book is devoted to the study of a single particle moving along a straight line. By posing questions about the particle, the text gradually leads readers into the development of mathematical techniques that provide the answers. 1981 ed.
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Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent overview of the material
This book is excellent. I don't pretend it should be used as a course for either quantum mechanics or functional analysis. It is at a level way above that necessary for quantum mechanics and it does not cover enough material to be a serious textbook for functional analysis.

That said at 15$ it is a great addition to any library. A reader can move through the book and really get an understanding of the topics presented. The books by Reed and Simon are a must for any mathematical physicist but they can sometimes be intimidating. The material presented here is relevant and presented in a very straightforward manner. If you have a background in analysis and wish to learn more about quantum mechanics I would definitely recommend this book. Another possible use is as an additional text in a functional analysis course so students can see direct applications.

A Unique and Interesting Book.
The book is about the mathematics of a single particle in 1-D space, the line, written for math people.Yeah, it's 300 pages for a little guy moving in a straight line!Isn't that enough?

It's about mathematical modeling, power, and beauty.Physics background is not required.Maybe no idea is even better!Prof. Schechter has spent much time preparing the contents, so you don't have to look around.

This book could be used as a first course in mathematical physics, or a supplement of mathematical modeling or functional analysis.Prof. Schechter teaches us about translating QM postulates into math.Starts off very simple 1-D case for a particle, and no more.Again, isn't that enough?

I think "encouraging" is the best word to describe his style for this book.A very gentle math teacher.The quality of math is as good as von Neumann or Weyl, and the representation is better.He even tells you what probability really is.(Do you know?)

It's more user-friendly than many other mathematical physics books.And the cover is maybe one of the most beautiful among Dover paperbacks.

Yet another "Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" -- a very unique one!

I was very lucky to encounter this book which was almost hidden in a pile of books. Attracted by the cover design, so I pulled it out hard.Then found that I was right.

If you are kind-of math guy and interested in QM or modeling as well, check this book out.It's hard to find in bookstores, though.

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"Though this be madness, yet there's method in it." -- Polunius, in Hamlet. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an exceptionally accessible, accurate, and nontechnical introduction to quantum mechanics. After briefly summarizing the differences between classical and quantum behavior, this engaging account considers the Stern-Gerlach experiment and its implications, treats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell's theorem. Coverage introduces the quantal interference and the concept of amplitudes, and also reveals the link between probabilities and the interference of amplitudes. Final chapters explore exciting new developments in quantum computation and cryptography, discover the unexpected behavior of a quantal bouncing-ball, and tackle the challenge of describing a particle with no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for further reading are included. Suitable for use as a course text, The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics enables students to develop a genuine understanding of the domain of the very small. It will also appeal to general readers seeking intellectual adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Strange World Of Quantum Mechanics
Not as good as recommended by a fellow Professor in his DVD
on Quantum Mechanics.

Somewhat brief
I was somewhat disappointed with this book; anyone thinking of buying it should realize it seems to be an almost verbatim transcription of lectures for undergraduates and thus has a great deal of extra talkativeness as well as student problems that pad out the information.Really nothing too philosophical or even novel is presented here that hasn't been written well or better in the past at greater length.It's true he spends a great deal of time discussing the E-P-R paradox and the Aspect experiment but the 'metaphysical' so to speak consequences, or even just the weirdness resulting from nonlocal behavior, are just barely discussed.

In short, he present some basic quantum strangness, i.e., nonlocality and wave-particle duality, through simplistic experiments, but avoids the implications completely. Anyone with preexisting knowledge of quantum mechanics will find this very disappointing, since it's 'old hat.'Most disappointing of all is the omission of further discussion of the popular superstring or M-theory; it is only mentioned in passing very briefly.

So if you're not familiar at all with the strange world of quantum mechanics, this may be of interest, although you'll feel a little let down that the truly weird implications are not further elaborated on [e.g. the many worlds interpretation].

Great Book
This little book explains the EPR-Paradox in perhaps the clearest presentation I have ever seen! It's a fun read, too... It makes a good companion to Feynman's "QED". I recommend it.

A no-nonsense, qualitative primer
Imagine being raised all your life in an environment without gravity and then suddenly finding yourself on a planet with a strong gravitational field.Things would be really strange.Your intuition would be confusedand confounded.Take the simple act of tossing a ball, for example.Yourintuition tells you that the ball will go straight, but in this strangeworld the ball curves.To toss the ball to someone you must toss it up, sothat it arcs over.Otherwise, if you toss it straight (like your intuitiontells you to) it curves downward and hits the ground.

Strangeness,obviously, depends on our sense of intuition, and our sense of intuitiondepends upon the rules of engagement in the world in which we live.Mostof us live in a world dominated by classical physics where objects have adefinite position, velocity, mass, energy, etc.It is because of ourintimate personal experience with this classical world that non-classicalenvironments like the very fast and the very tiny seem counter intuitive.

Styer's book aims to help the reader understand the experiences of thequantum world.Though real quantum intuition cannot come from a book,Styer helps the reader gain a measure of intuition regarding what happensat the quantum level.Styer's book is one of the best I've seen forexplaining quantum mechanics in a rigorously qualitative manner that'sunderstandable by virtually anyone with the intellectual discipline tolearn new ideas.[The other book I recommend in this area, and from whichStyer uses as a frequent reference, is "QED, The Strange Theory ofLight and Matter," by Richard Feynman.For someone just starting outin his or her study of quantum mechanics, I recommend Feynman's bookfollowed by Styer's.Both are qualitative and have little mathematics. For an introduction to the mathematics of quantum mechanics (usingmathematics at the freshman college level) I suggest Sam Treiman's"The Odd Quantum."These three books form an excellent basis fora course in study that tackles quantum physics at the quantitativelevel.]

The book has 15 chapters, but is only 150 pages long, so eachchapter is rather short.The chapters are organized nicely, however, andeach has a specific goal for the reader, with good illustrations throughoutand thought-provoking questions at the end (numeric answers are in the backof the book, though many questions do not have a numeric answer).Unlikethe questions found in some textbooks, Styer's questions are formulatedspecifically to build insight into the main issues presented in thechapters, and to extend upon them.I strongly suggest answering eachquestion in detail, as it will greatly enrich the experience of readingthis book.

Styer is a master at explaining the central concepts ofquantum mechanics in an intuitive and visual manner (his style ofpresentation is similar to Feynman's).Unlike many other authors, Styerdoes not introduce quantum mechanics by using the double-slit experiment. Instead, Styer bases almost all his arguments on an idealized (portable andconfigurable) Stern-Gerlach analyzer, which measures the magnetic spin ofquantum particles (he later uses a modified form to introduce quantuminterference).Styer does all this, and masterfully, by usingnon-technical language that nevertheless maintains the integrity of theideas embodied in quantum mechanics.

A brief introduction, some stuffon how classical magnetic needles behave in a magnetic field, a descriptionof the Stern-Gerlach experiment, and the "conundrum ofprojections," or the quantization of quantum spin, take up the firstfour chapters.Chapter 5 is a primer on simple concepts in statistics andlays the groundwork for later chapters.Chapters 6 and 7 deal with theEinstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiments, which I found to be among the simplestand most illuminating that I've found in an introductory text.Typical ofStyer's book throughout, he shows that the "paradox" arises fromfalse assumptions in which we try to project our intuition from theclassical world into the quantum world.

Styer describes the double-slitexperiment, but he saves it till chapters 8 and 9 and explains it not justin terms of photons but also in terms of atoms as well.The discussion ofquantal interference leads naturally to a further expansion of the conceptof amplitudes and probability in quantum mechanics.The book ends with achapter on quantum cryptography, a chapter on the quantum-mechanicalbehavior of a quantum ball, and a chapter that has a brief introduction ofwavefunction.

There are also three excellent apprentices (these should beread with the same commitment as reading all the chapters in the book) andan adequate index.Styer also has a very nice list of other readingmaterial on quantum mechanics, as well as some biting editorial statementsabout errors in popular books on the subject.Styer's approach is nononsense.Rather than waxing philosophical about the dual particle-wavenature of matter, Styer correctly helps the reader realize that tounderstand quantum mechanics we must do so by understanding the behavior ofquanta and not try to force our classical perceptions.As Styer says:"In fact an atom is no more a small hard marble [or a classical wave]than an atom's magnetic needle is a pointy stick.These classical ideasare simply wrong when applied to very small objects."

Very wellwritten in an engaging, no-nonsense style that cuts straight to the heartof the issue, this is simply one of the best introductory (qualitative andwithout mathematics) books I've read on the subject.Whether you arereading about quantum mechanics for the very first time, or simply tryingto increase your intuitive feel for the subject, I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
The main unique feature of this text is its discussion of Hilbert space and rigged Hilbert space. Invaluable text suitable for advanced students as well as graduate students. Softcover. Hardcover available. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A comprehensible text on quantum mechanics
This is by far and away the most comprehensible text on quantum mechanicsthat I've found yet.This book may very well be the only thing preventingme from failing quantum mechanics (note: this is not the required text forthe class). ... Read more

Product Description
Well-organized text designed to complement graduate-level physics texts in classical mechanics, electricity, magnetism and quantum mechanics. Topics include theory of vector spaces, analytic function theory, Green’s function method of solving differential and partial differential equations, theory of groups, more. Many problems, suggestions for further reading.
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Customer Reviews (26)

Simply Brilliant
In my eyes this book is must-have if you want to be introduced in theoretical physics. The authors understand to invite you into in a never boring journey of deeper understanding. It would have been wise for me to study this book when I began with the graduate level of my studies. I like the introduction to the calculus of variations very much. Finally the introduction of Green functions are more clear than I ever saw before. Simplygreat, if I could get back in time this book would have helped me a lot.

Must have
If you are a graduate student in the field of physics, this book is a MUST HAVE. Inevitably as an undergraduate you will be ill-prepared for what you are expected to know as a graduate student in physics. This book as thoroughly filled in the mathematical gaps that I was missing. This book was used as a text for my Methods of Theoretical Physics class and I can say that it is clearly leads you through every topic without much confusion. I will be using this text as a reference for years to come.

Not an easy read, but a complete one
This book is complete and concise. Often concise means missing details, but not in this case. This is not an easy and breezy read. It is a densely packed little book with each page full of critical information on approaches to problems, so it will likely be slow going - it was for me. In the end, however, you will understand the information being presented at a price tag that is often one fifth of standard modern textbooks on this subject that do not do nearly as good a job. Also, often a book this old means either a lack of figures or very small handwritten ones. I found this book to be well illustrated for a text of its age, and good illustrations go a long way in explaining mathematical concepts.

For the mathematics of physics I have two recommendations - this one for a "teach a man to fish" approach, and Mathematical Methods for Physicists, Sixth Edition: A Comprehensive Guide for the "give a man a fish" approach. This latter book is a great reference and also has some cool results you won't find in other books, such as how to transform between any two coordinate systems, however it is a terrible textbook. Strangely enough, the table of contents is missing from the product information so I include that next:

1 Vectors in Classical Physics
Introduction
1.1 Geometric and Algebraic Definitions of a Vector
1.2 The Resolution of a Vector into Components
1.3 The Scalar Product
1.4 Rotation of the Coordinate System: Orthogonal Transformations
1.5 The Vector Product
1.6 A Vector Treatment of Classical Orbit Theory
1.7 Differential Operations on Scalar and Vector Fields
1.8 Cartesian-Tensors
2 Calculus of Variations
Introduction
2.1 Some Famous Problems
2.2 The Euler-Lagrange Equation
2.3 Some Famous Solutions
2.4 Isoperimetric Problems - Constraints
2.5 Application to Classical Mechanics
2.6 Extremization of Multiple Integrals
2.7 Invariance Principles and Noether's Theorem
3 Vectors and Matrics
Introduction
3.1 "Groups, Fields, and Vector Spaces"
3.2 Linear Independence
3.3 Bases and Dimensionality
3.4 Ismorphisms
3.5 Linear Transformations
3.6 The Inverse of a Linear Transformation
3.7 Matrices
3.8 Determinants
3.9 Similarity Transformations
3.10 Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
3.11 The Kronecker Product
4. Vector Spaces in Physics
Introduction
4.1 The Inner Product
4.2 Orthogonality and Completeness
4.3 Complete Ortonormal Sets
4.4 Self-Adjoint (Hermitian and Symmetric) Transformations
4.5 Isometries-Unitary and Orthogonal Transformations
4.6 The Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors of Self-Adjoint and Isometric Transformations
4.7 Diagonalization
4.8 On The Solvability of Linear Equations
4.9 Minimum Principles
4.10 Normal Modes
4.11 Peturbation Theory-Nondegenerate Case
4.12 Peturbation Theory-Degenerate Case
5. Hilbert Space-Complete Orthonormal Sets of Functions
Introduction
5.1 Function Space and Hilbert Space
5.2 Complete Orthonormal Sets of Functions
5.3 The Dirac d-Function
5.4 Weirstrass's Theorem: Approximation by Polynomials
5.5 Legendre Polynomials
5.6 Fourier Series
5.7 Fourier Integrals
5.8 Sphereical Harmonics and Associated Legendre Functions
5.9 Hermite Polynomials
5.10 Sturm-Liouville Systems-Orthogaonal Polynomials
5.11 A Mathematical Formulation of Quantum Mechanics
6 Elements and Applications of the Theory of Analytic Functions
6.1 Analytic Functions-The Cauchy-Riemann Conditions
6.2 Some Basic Analytic Functions
6.3 Complex Integration-The Cauchy-Goursat Theorem
6.4 Consequences of Cauchy's Theorem
6.5 Hilbert Transforms and the Cauchy Principal Value
6.6 An Introduction to Dispersion Relations
6.7 The Expansion of an Analytic Function in a Power Series
6.8 Residue Theory-Evaluation of Real Definite Integrals and Summation of Series
6.9 Applications to Special Functions and Integral Representations
7 Green's Function
Introduction
7.1 A New Way to Solve Differential Equations
7.2 Green's Functions and Delta Functions
7.3 Green's Functions in One Dimension
7.4 Green's Functions in Three Dimensions
7.5 Radial Green's Functions
7.6 An Application to the Theory of Diffraction
7.7 Time-dependent Green's Functions: First Order
7.8 The Wave Equation
8 Introduction to Integral Equations
Introduction
8.1 Iterative Techniques-Linear Integral Operators
8.2 Norms of Operators
8.3 Iterative Techniques in a Banach Space
8.4 Iterative Techniques for Nonlinear Equations
8.5 Separable Kernels
8.6 General Kernels of Finite Rank
8.7 Completely Continuous Operators
9 Integral Equations in Hilbert Space
Introduction
9.1 Completely Continuous Hermitian Operators
9.2 Linear Equations and Peturbation Theory
9.3 Finite-Rank Techniques for Eigenvalue Problems
9.4 the Fredholm Alternative for Completely Continuous Operators
9.5 The Numerical Solutions of Linear Equations
9.6 Unitary Transformations
10 Introduction to Group Theory
Introduction
10.1 An Inductive Approach
10.2 The Symmetric Groups
10.3 Cosets, Classes, and Invariant Subgroups
10.4 Symmetry and Group Representations
10.5 Irreducible Representations
10.6 Unitary Representations, Schur's Lemmas, and Orthogonality Relations
10.7 The Determination of Group Representations
10.8 Group Theory in Physical Problems
General Bibliography
Index to Volume One
Index to Volume Two

Tough But Not Discouraging
This book seems to be a rarity.Although the matrial seems at first to be sophisticated and advanced to grad or undergrad students using it, it still doesn't discourage them or myself from continuing to try to grasp it.In fact it seems to do the opposite and draw one in to keep trying over and over again to improve your comprehension. (This can't be said for a lot of"difficult" textbooks out there).

I think it's in the tone of the authors that makes this book so engaging.It seems to me to be written in a sort of conversational style, and while the authors realize that this is tough stuff to digest, their tone lacks any hint of snobbery (for lack of a better word).They're also good at getting straight to the point.

Yes, it may take three, four, or maybe more readings to understand certain sections, but in some way this title makes one feel like there is a light at the end of tunnel, and it provided a lot of "Ah Ha" moments for me after such multiple re-readings.

Not only an excellent book for it's wealth of information, but also very engaging.

Excellent math reference for physicists
As the title says, it's one of the best books for mathematics in physics. Not simple at first glance (not indicated for first students, I guess), but good to review some math... ... Read more