Customer Reviews (1)

It's very pedagogical
This book is one of the best textbooks on Quantum Mechanics. It is very clear and pedagogical. Sections are short. This is very important for students to learn without difficulties. ... Read more

Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Book
This and Sakurai are where I learnt my quantum mechanics from. To me there is no other way to learn quantum mechanics. I look to Griffiths with a bit of distaste because I was taught in quantum mechanics in a radically different way and Griffiths, in my mind, is the wrong way. Griffiths an excellent book for a second quantum course but it lacks heavily in the foundational ideas. Englert really picks up the ball here. Right from page one you are doing bra-ket notation and talking about spin-1/2 systems although you don't know it at the time. I prefer this way as you can introduce ideas like Heisenberg picture, Schrödinger picture, unitary evolution, Born rule, higher spin dimension, and the density matrix formulation more naturally.

Given that I love the way this book presents the material, I consider it more a reference then a book to learn from. I find it to be a bit difficult to get used to the notation and I think Sakurai is better here because he has better explanations. However once you have an idea of what you are doing, this book is great. I found myself referencing it again and again when I took a course in advanced quantum theory. I also have to say the treatment of the free particle is incredibly lucid and the best I've seen. I haven't read the other two books but I do own them and have glanced at various parts so I don't know how they compare to this one.

So to sum up, excellent supplement to Sakurai when you are learning the quantum formalism and a great book to keep by your side as you venture forth in quantum mechanics.

The Schwinger approach to quantum mechanics.
This is the first of 3 volumes (all independent according to the author):

Basic Matters:
A Brutal Fact of Life
Kinematics: How Quantum Systems are Described
Dynamics: How Quantum Systems Evolve
Motion along the x Axis
Elementary Examples

Simple Systems:
Quantum Kinematics Reviewed
Quantum Dynamics Reviewed
Examples
Orbital Angular Momentum
Hydrogen-like Atoms
Approximation Methods

Perturbed Evolution:
Basics of Kinematics and Dynamics
Time-Dependent Perturbations
Scattering
Angular Momentum
External Magnetic Field
Indistinguishable Particles

Englert edited Julian Schwinger's posthumous Quantum Mechanics book.Englert's books seem to follow Schwinger fairly closely, though Schwinger's measurement symbols aren't used.Englert seems to have put some thought into actually teaching with this approach, which he's simplified, but not dumbed down.

After a brief chapter explaining why classical determinism must be abandoned at the quantum level, the book uses the example of Stern-Gerlach experiments to develop the mathematics of QM, a very satisfying alternative to the usual Olympian axiomatic approach.

This first volume covers about the same material as the first 2 chapters of Sakurai's Modern Quantum Mechanics. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

A good start
This book, first published in 1968, is the one I used as an undergraduate for a first course in quantum mechanics and one that I used to teach such a course. It introduces the subject from a physical standpoint but does not hesitate to use the appropriate mathematical tools, without getting too involved in the structure of Hilbert spaces, which might be too overbearing for the typical undergraduate. A familiarity with ordinary linear differential equations and Fourier series is assumed, along with some knowledge of special functions. The author therefore treats mainly the quantum mechanics of one-dimensional systems, but motion in three dimensions is also discussed in the last three chapters of the book. It is also assumed that the student has a background in classical mechanics the covers the Hamiltonian formalism. It would be helpful of course if the student has had a prior course that discussed elementary quantum phenomena, such as a sophomore-level course in "modern physics". The goal of the book is to introduce students to bread-and-butter calculations in quantum mechanics, and not to entice them to think critically about the subject, or propose alternatives to it. Due to space considerations, I will only review the first 6 chapters of the book.

The first chapter of the book endeavors to explain the historical origins of quantum theory and its need to explain various experiments that could not be resolved using "classical physics". These include the equipartition theorem, the stability of the atom, and the photoelectric effect. The move by Max Planck in 1901 to introduce "energy quanta" solved the equipartition problem and introduced the quantum theory, the success of which is now well-established and has had enormous consequences for physics and technology. Interestingly, the author engages in a little philosophical speculation in this chapter, holding to the idea that quantum theory is based on constructs removed from experience, such as state functions and observables. The origin of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is then discussed as a consequence of the nature of quantum observables as being discrete in nature. The wave nature of matter, the de Broglie hypothesis, is discussed in the context of the Davisson-Germer experiment.

Chapter 2 attempts to explain the nature of state functions and their interpretation, this being done in the context of the famous statistical (Born) interpretation. The principle of superposition of state functions is discussed, and care is taken to differentiate the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics (the relation between interference and superposition) from that of classical statistic mechanics. The double slit experiment is discussed as a thought experiment, and no mention is made that this experiment has never been done in the way described (using electrons). The author also uses wave packets as a way of making the correspondence between quantum and classical descriptions of a state. Current research on quantum decoherence and quantum chaos was not available at the time of publication, and so the author is (justifiably) comfortable with using wave packets to make this correspondence.

In chapter 3 the author studies linear momentum in quantum mechanics and uses the state function to describe a particle with a definite linear momentum. Interestingly, and importantly, he uses symmetry considerations to deduce the form of this state function. After superposing many such state functions, Fourier transforms are then brought in to find the form of this superposition in position space. The origin of the momentum and position operators then follows nicely.

The motion of a free particle is considered in chapter 4. The form of the frequency dispersion relation in momentum space is derived using the correspondence principle, giving the familiar Planck relation. This derivation is dependent very strongly on the particle being free (and the author understands this), for if one attempts to do this in more complicated situations, such as in classically nonintegrable systems, it becomes very complex, involving highly esoteric mathematical constructions. The Schrodinger equation for the free particle is then derived later in the chapter.

The Schrodinger equation for a particle under the influence of a conservative force is the subject of chapter 5. The Schrodinger equation is represented first as an operator H that acts on a state function and gives its time derivative (multiplied by Planck's constant times i). The author proves right away that because of probability conservation, H must be Hermitian. He then uses the correspondence principle to identify H as the total energy. Using again the Fourier transform, the author derives the Schrodinger equation in both configuration and momentum space. The reader can see the equations becomes an integral equation in momentum space, and the equation is much more complicated than the free particle case, due to the influence of the external force. The technique of separation of variables is then used to find the stationary states and the energy spectrum. More general mathematical considerations occupy the rest of the chapter, wherein the author finds the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a Hermitian operator, studies what it means for a set of operators to be complete, proves the uncertainty principle for a general observable, and discusses the basic postulates of quantum mechanics.

Chapter 6 is an overview of the quantum-mechanical states of a particle moving in a potential. Symmetry principles make their appearance here, via the classification of states according to their parity. The author then studies the bound states of a particle in a square-well potential. He then gives a detailed treatment of the harmonic oscillator in one dimension using the method of power series and the method of factorization. The latter method introduces the all-important creation and annihilation operators. And even more importantly, the author studies the motion of a wave packet in the harmonic oscillator, introducing the propagator or Green's function, and then showing the existence of minimum uncertainly wave packets, the famous "coherent states". Then after a discussion of the purely quantum-mechanical phenomena of tunneling through a barrier, the author ends the chapter with a discussion of the numerical solution of the Schrodinger equation.

Really good for a first course in QM!!
This text is really clear and, most of all, makes you think. It derives every formula and everything seems logical. Understanding this book enables you to tackle many problems, and prepares you for a grad course (I used Ballentine and Sakurai, the first 3 chapters).
I really liked it.

Hitting the mark
It's too bad this book went out of print.It is succinct and well written.It achieves the right level as a textbook for an undergraduate's first yearlong course in QM.

The book is sufficiently lucid that it can be used as a self-study textbook. ... Read more

Product Description
This book offers a concise introduction to the angular momentum, one of the most fundamental quantities in all of quantum mechanics. Beginning with the quantization of angular momentum, spin angular momentum, and the orbital angular momentum, the author goes on to discuss the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for a two-component system. After developing the necessary mathematics, specifically spherical tensors and tensor operators, the author then investigates the 3-j, 6-j, and 9-j symbols. Throughout, the author provides practical applications to atomic, molecular, and nuclear physics. These include partial-wave expansions, the emission and absorption of particles, the proton and electron quadrupole moment, matrix element calculation in practice, and the properties of the symmetrical top molecule. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Just like what I expect
I need it for the 3nj symbols formula, for those who actually care....:).It is a very well written book.Almost all the formula you need for CG coefficients are available.Unfortunately nowadays you can also find all of them on mathematica-wolfram website.

A classic work on angular momentum theory
One of the most impressive things about this book is that it contains no known errors. That's pretty good for a subject which is highly mathematical, and riddled with superscripts, subscripts, primes and double primes.

This is not the most readable introduction to the quantum theory of angular momentum (for that I would have to suggest Richard Zare's book), but it provides a compact and useful introduction covering most of the usual material such as phase relationships, coupling and recoupling relationships (by means of clebsch-gordan coefficients, properties of three-, six- and nine-J symbols). The book is extremely theoretical (not suprisingly) in approach, not actually getting to useful examples until the final chapter, when a few examples of the use of the theory for calculating matrix elements of particular operators are given.

One of the most useful features of the book is the appendices, which give rather detailed summaries of the properties of Clebsch Gordan coefficients, 3-J and 6-J symbols.

This is an extremely useful book. It is a classic in the field. If you have any need for the quantum theory of angular momentum in your research, then this is a must-have volume.

The reference for angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
Since its publication in 1957, Edmonds has been the reference for physicists and chemists interested in angular momentum calculations in molecular, atomic, nuclear and sub-atomic physics.Though it contains some typos in various editions, one famous instance being the reversal of conventions in a couple of key definitions between the 2nd revised printing in 1968 and 3rd printing in 1974, it remains a standard for a two generations of scientists. ... Read more

Product Description
The present text is designed to introduce graduate students to the functional integration method in contemporary physics as painlessly as possible. The author concentrates on the conceptual problems inherent in the path integral formalism. The striking interplay between stochastic processes, statistical physics and quantum mechanics comes to the fore. The reader will find all the methods of fundamental interest amply illustrated by important physical examples. ... Read more

Product Description
"Because atomic behavior is so unlike ordinary experience," wrote Richard Feynman, "it is very difficult to get used to, and it appears strange and mysterious to everyone -- both to the novice and to the experienced physicist." At the core of the strange behavior lies quantum interference: "In reality," Feynman wrote, "it contains the only mystery." To author Mark Silverman, however, the puzzling nature of quantum behavior is multifaceted.By examining a few conceptually simple models, such as the two--level atom and the two-slit interferometer, Silverman probes the perplexing consequences of the "ghostly" long-range effects that correlated particles exert on each other, the deep connection between spin and the statistics of identical particles, and the fundamental role of topology in the interactions of charged particles and electromagnetic fields. Silverman -- whose experimental and theoretical work on electron interferometry, atomic spectroscopy, and the optics of chiral media is internationally recognized -- concludes authoritatively: There is more than one mystery in the intriguing world of quantum mechanics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Essays in Quantum Interference
Mark P. Silverman's "More Than One Mystery", in much the same manner as his treatment of optics in "Waves and Grains" written a few years later, is a series of discrete but interrelated essays on different aspects of quantum interference.The treatment is semi-technical, with analyses of the math supporting the various experiments and their interpretations.Speaking as one with no math background at all and no formal training in physics, I still found this book fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable.Silverman is something of a polymath, with wide-ranging interests, and he succeeds in bringing together concepts from different fields of study in unexpected but very fruitful ways.He surely must be a wonderful classroom teacher; his enthusiasm for his subject matter is contagious, and to say that his use of language in his writing is masterful is an understatement.Formerly a journalist, he is always engaging, and never dry.Throughout, his descriptions are a model of clarity, and the precision of his vocabulary in the simplest nontechnical sentences is awe-inspiring in its elegance.This is not a textbook, but any serious student of physics who doesn't own a copy is missing out on an important book.

Much of this same material is presented for a general readership in his 2002 "A Universe of Atoms, An Atom in the Universe", a revision of the now out-of-print "And Yet It Moves: Strange Systems and Subtle Questions in Physics". ... Read more

Product Description
"Quantum Dynamics" is a major survey of quantum theory based on Walter Greiner's long-running and highly successful courses at the University of Frankfurt. The key to understanding in quantum theory is to reinforce lecture attendance and textual study by working through plenty of representative and detailed examples. Firm belief in this principle led Greiner to develop his unique course and to transform it into a remarkable and comprehensive text. The text features a large number of examples and exercises involving many of the most advanced topics in quantum theory. These examples give practical and precise demonstrations of how to use the often subtle mathematics behind quantum theory. The text is divided into five volumes: Quantum Mechanics I - An Introduction, Quantum Mechanics II - Symmetries, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Electrodynamics, Gauge Theory of Weak Interactions. These five volumes take the reader from the fundamental postulates of quantum mechanics up to the latest research in particle physics. Volume 2 presents a particularly appealing and successful theme in advanced quantum mechanics - symmetries. After a brief introduction to symmetries in classical mechanics, the text turns to their relevance in quantum mechanics, the consequences of rotation symmetry and the general theory of Lie groups. The Isospin group, hypercharge, SU (3) and their applications are all dealt with in depth before a chapter on charm and SU (3) leads to the frontiers of research in particle physics. Almost a hundred detailed, worked examples and problems make this a truly unique text on a fascinating side of modern physics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A great companion book for learning Group Therory in Quantum Mechanics
When learning Quantum Mechanics (QM) you sooner or later just have to learn Group Theory.
There is no escape. The more advanced QM the more Group Theory there will be.

This book is "Group Theory in Action"!

However, my experience is that it is practically impossible to fully appreciate the ideas
of Group Theory from any physics text, including this one - even though it's entirely devoted
to the subject.

If you are new to the subject of groups, my advice is this:
1.) Read first an elementary text on Finite Groups.
Chapter 10 in the book Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics will do the job nicely and,
besides, you will own a book that covers a lot of the mathematics of QM.

2.) Read Greiners book in conjunction with a book on Matrix Lie Groups and Representation Theory.
The limitation to Matrix Lie Groups as opposed to General Lie Groups) is in the context of Greiners
book not a limitation at all. I strongly recommend the text Lie Groups, Lie Algebras, and Representations: An Elementary Introduction.
If you buy a more advanced text there will be prerequisites such as knowledge of Manifold Theory.


3.) Be aware of the following traps:
i.) As other reviewers have pointed out there are many small errors in the book, mostly typos.
There are also some bigger errors. For instance, the groups SU(2) and SO(3) are NOT isomorphic
as is stated in several places. (There is a 2:1 correspondence, i.e. a homomorphism and their
respective algebras are isomorphic.)

ii.) The book is not well organized in the sense that methods and concepts are used long before
they are properly defined. This is precicely why you should have a companion math text to go along
with it.

iii.) There is a constant change of notation in that quantities are defined in one way and given
a name and then, in the next paragraph a new name is introduced for a quantity that differs only
by a constant factor from the previous definition. This goes on and on and on and will be
confusing at first.

iv.) As in most physics texts there is a constant confusion as to what is what.
Groups and their respective Algebras are given the same name. One has to extract from the context what is meant.
Representations of groups and algebras, i.e. matrices (operators in the vector spaces of QM),
are confused with the invariant irreducible subspaces of the vector spaces on which the representations act.
This is something one has to get used to. It is the same in most physics texts and even in some math texts.

/********************/
Apart from these flaws, the book is fantastic. Just as it is hard to learn Group Theory from a
physics text alone, it's quite hard to learn Group Theory from a math text alone because typically,
there are very few solved problems to see the theory in action.

Therefore I recommend this book for students of mathematics as well as physics.

read a Lie groups math book FIRST
Book: Quantum Mechanics - Symmetries, 2nd edition, 15 chapters, 496 pages

Scope of the book: applications of group theory in elementary particle physic (no field theory!)

Reader: PhD student in physics, I am a beginner in that area, this is my first book in symmetries and Lie groups.

My evaluation:
The math sections in the book give u some basic notion of Lie groups but are NOT sufficient to fully understand the logic behind the scene everywhere. My advice is to read some good book in Lie groups in advance.
The strongest feature of the book is its richnes of examples and solved exercises both in group theory and in its application to particle physics. You can learn a lot of analytical 'tricks' from the solutions.
At the same time the text is full of small errors (signs, indexes, equation numbers, misprints). They are easy to detect and fun to debug and keep you concentrated while debugging.
My main objection is that very often the logic in the text remains hidden, broken or fuzzy. Sometimes they prove some statement but at the end you can't tell what was actually proven or under what conditions that proof is valid, what facts it is derived from, does it rely on implicit assumptions or it's generaly true. As a consequence of that you are not sure if you can apply the statement for a situation that is not exactly the one discussed in the book. Sometimes it's hard to tell if they are talking about a necessary of sufficient condition or both.Or they, having something in mind that you don't know about, make some sudden assumption and you wonder why (example: equation (13.3) on page 442 assumes that the parity transformed wave function is proportional to the old one. why? cause they assume implicitly without stating it that parity commutes with the Hamiltonian, hence they have common eigenfunctions). Some concepts are not defined sharply from the begining but instead the authors use fussy definitions and define them much later (example: tensor product of multiplets and its reduction is defined understandably in chapter 10 but is used all the time before that). The explanations of the algebra in the examples and exercises is also not the best since in many cases I see a more logical, organized and understandable way to explain it to the reader. Also in some cases the book gives just the algebra without giving the reader the more fundamental cause for some fact(example: in exercise 8.3 page 255 they have two matrices connected by a similarity transformation, they prove with some algebra that the eigenvalues remain the same but don't tell you that's always the case with similarity transformations).

To my opinion the authors have to a lot of work to do to make the logic structure of the text (the connections between different statements,the difference between assumptions and derivable facts) fully explicit and understandable to the reader everywhere in the text. Without that, the book can be regarded as a nice collection of solved examples and exercises in group theory and particle physics.

I give that book 3 out of 5 stars and hope that the other volumes of the sequence don't have that flaw.

Contents of the book:

chap1: symmetries in classical physics, Noether's theorem, symmetries in quantum mechanics and their generators: momentum, angular momentum, energy and spin operators

chap2: angular momentum algebra; irreducible representations of SO(3); addition of angular momenta; Clebsh-Gordon coefficients

chap3: Lie groups, generators, Lie algebra; Casimir operators and Racah theorem; multiplets;

chap4: enumeration of the multiplets through eigenvalues of Casimir operators; energy degeneracy within a multiplet; two or more commuting symmety groups

chap5: neutron, proton doublet; isospin SU(2) symmetry; pion triplet; adjoint representation of Lie algebra

chap6: charge Q; hypercharge Y; baryons, antibaryons, baryon resonances; T3-Y diagrams;

chap7: U(n) and SU(n) groups; generators, Lie algebra of SU(3); subalgebras of SU(3) and shift operators; dimensions of SU(3) multiplets D(p,q);

chap8: smallest non-trivial representations of SU(3), quarks; meson multiplets; tensor product of multiplets and their reduction; Gell-Mann-Okubo mass formula; quark models with spin added, SU(6); wave functions construction, proton, neutron, baryon decuplet, baryon octet; mass formula in SU(6);

chap9: permutation group Sn, identical particles; Young diagrams; dimensions of irreducible Sn representations; connection to SU(n) multiplets; dimensions of SU(n); decompositions of SU(n) multiplet into SU(n-1) multiplets; decomposition of tensor product of multiplets with Young diagrams;

chap10: group characters; schur first and second lemma; orthogonality relations of characters of discrete finite groups;reduction of reducible representations; continuous, compact groups, group integration; integration over unitary groups; group characters of U(n); quark-gluon plasma example;

chap11: charm, SU(4), group generators; smallest non-trivial representations of SU(4), [4] and [4bar]; decomposition of tensor products of SU(4) multiplets; OZI rule for suppressing reactions; meson and baryon multiplets, SU(3) content; potential model of charmonium;SU(4)[with spin SU(8)] mass formula;

chap12: weight operators, standard Cartan-Weyl basis of a semi-simple Lie algebra; root vectors; graphic representations of root vectors and Lie algebras; simple roots and Dynkin diagrams;

chap13: space reflection (parity); time reversal; antilinear operators, complex conjugate operator K, antiunitary operator; general form of time reversal operator in coordinate representation for particle with spin;

chap14: classical hygrogen atom constants of motion: energy, angular momentum, Runge-Lenz vector; corresponding quantum constants of motion (operators), their algebra and group SO(4)- dynamical symmetry; decoupling of the SO(4) algebra into two SO(3) algebras and determination of the energy eigenvalues (Pauli method i guess); classical and quantum isotropic oscillator;

chap15: compact and noncompact Lie groups; group SU(p,q); group SO(p,q); generators of SO(2,1), infinitesimal operators, Casimir operators; non-compactness of SO(2,1) and its infinite dimensional irreducible unitary representations; application of SO(2,1) representations to scattering problems;

quantum mechanics symmetries
This is the most stupid book that I have ever seen. The main concepts of Elementary Particles Theory are introduced before the Quantum Field Theory has been developed. Without knowing Dirac's equation how on the Earth ispossible to grasp the intricasies of Modern Physics? Lee groups are notintroduces properly either -- the level of mathematical discussion is verylow. For all of you who wants to use comprehensive series on Modern PhysicsI recommend the old ones by Landau and Lifshitz.

QM for advanced larner.
Probably for most of the people it is better to start QM with easier books, e.g., Landou.Greiner's physics series are little more sophisticated, and may be difficult for someone with poor math background. For someone who has strong math background, Greiner's books are fun to readeven without any physics background.With your strong math background, youcan learn a lot out of this text.

full of useful mathematical tools.
this volume is not only useful for understanding non-relativistic quantum mechanics but also it is filled with mathematical tools that is useful in many science and engineering analysis.symmetry of the operators playsalways an important role in simplifying the analysis of formidable coupledequations.i found this volume very useful in many ways. ... Read more

Product Description
This powerful study guide makes sometimes-daunting material accessible. More than 240 problems solved step-by-step help students gain a firm grasp of proper methods and a solid foundation for further study. All the essentials of this basic course are covered clearly and concisely, cutting study time and making important points memorable. The next-best thing to a private tutor, this study guide helps boost grades and proves ideal for professionals, too, who wish to study solo to master this discipline. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Needs Improvement
When a premature physicist or hobbyist picks up Schaum'sthey need to know how to read it or look elsewhere. Most Schaum's are concise and on the brink of being too compact to be intelligent like reading over someone else's lecture notes. I do adore a few favorite Schaums, but this one lacks the structure and approach of some of the better Schaum's outlines. Many people will probably find this more obfuscating or ambiguous with Q.M. than their text book. I bought this with another text called Quantum Mechanics Demystified, and the Deymystified text breaks Quantum Mechanics down into better and more intuitive chunks really well. Also, be aware of non-standard approaches, because you don't want to learn a method of attack that's never used in lectures. (Don't worry about the alternative perspective if you have spare time just realize it's not used and it will alienate those that are taught physics another way.)

Now, if you've already had Quantum Mechanics and you're looking for a re-read, ask yourself how much intuition you have left when dealing with it because a few skims through this Schaum's with the right intuition will set you up to go do some mildly intelligent review. But, if it's not an incredible or great schuam's outline, Schaum's already being a secondary resource, then why buy this book and rob yourself... o_0

General Note: Don't waste money on this book, look for one of the many other texts that do better. Publishers like Dover are cheaper to experiment with than a $20.000 Schaums. You get about 4 Dover books for $20.00!

In the end, I returned this book to Borders.

Rec: Quantum Mechanics Demystified, Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics, etc.

Shaum's Outline In Quantum Mechanics an Excellent Book
The detailed calculations and discussions of methodology in this book far exceed those presented in the typical quantum mechanics book.This book, along with the book Quantum Mechanics Demystified (these two books are a superb complement to one another and should used together), should be required accompanyments to any quantum mechanics book.While almost all quantum mechanics books give an adequate discussion of the basic Schroedinger Equation and its applications, they are usually flops insofar as matrix mechanics are concerned, especially in the case of angular momentum.These books more than makes up for that.I personally am using this book and Quantum Mechanics Demystified to review a subject that I studied more than 40 years ago and find it to be very clearly written, making it more than adequate to overcome some very substantial holes that were not covered by my previous books. The authors should be well pleased with their work.

Schaum's Outline of Quantum Mechanics
Basic information, and lots of problems (many worked out, others with answers). Makes for good practice and review.

Very useful, needs a rewrite ...
This book is useful. There is a variety of problems from fairly easy to difficult, but in general, the problems are similar (and often the same) as problems in graduate texts such as Merzbacher, Cohen, etc.. My complaint with this book is not necessarily the typos (although they should be fixed given the popularity of this book). My complaint is that that the authors sometimes skip steps in the solutions that are so critical, that is is nearly impossible to understand them. A useful solution can leave out mathematical drudgery, and calculations, but it shouldn't leave out critical steps that have been covered earlier in the book, because a solutions manual like this is not usually used as a textbook, it is used as a reference.

For instance I may want to try a practice problem on the Variational Method, and the problem leaves out steps that may have been covered in earlier chapters. So I spend hours playing with the problem until I find the solution. This is not useful, and not what a problems and solutions book should do. I understand that not every step can be included, but I would rather see more complete solutions, which might sacrifice the unsolved problems and the blank pages at the end of the book.

This book seems to have been typewritten from the authors' handwritten notes, because many of the typos are consistent with penmanship. But one of the authors should go over all of the solutions, flesh out the missing steps, and correct the errors. Without doing this, the physics student can't rely on this book as a trusted source, since they never know if the error they encounter is a typo or their own mistake.

Regardless, this is a useful book, and I have learned a lot from it.

Best value for money
This book is a complete introductory course that presents the basic concepts of Quantum Mechanics.

As a newcomer to this subject, I was puzzled by the separate definitions of the similar notions of inner product (denoted < , >), scalar product (denoted ( , )), scalar product (denoted < | >) and Dirac bracket (also denoted < | >). It would be most helpful if, in a future edition, the authors could define these four notions in one place, along with an explanation of the differences (if any) between them.

Apart from this minor annoyance, for which I deducted one star, this book succesfully tackles a most important and difficult subject. The writing and presentation are up to the usually high standards of Schaum's Outline series. There are plenty of exercises, both solved and unsolved. And it's excellent value for money. For the price, there's no serious competition.

A better mathematical treatment, based on linear vector spaces, may be found in "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" by Shankar. ... Read more

Product Description

Learn quantum field theory relatively easily

Trying to comprehend quantum field theory but don't have infinite time or the IQ of Einstein? No problem! This easy-to-follow guide helps you understand this complex subject matter without spending a lot of energy.

Quantum Field Theory Demystified covers essential principles such as particle physics and special relativity. You'll learn about Lagrangian field theory, group theory, and electroweak theory. The book also explains continuous and discrete symmetries, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and supersymmetry. With thorough coverage of the mathematics of quantum field theory and featuring end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam to test your knowledge, this book will teach you the fundamentals of this theoretical framework in no time at all.

This fast and easy guide offers:

• Numerous figures to illustrate key concepts
• Sample equations with worked solutions
• Coverage of quantum numbers
• Details on the Dirac equation, the Feynman rules, and the Higgs mechanism
• A time-saving approach to performing better on an exam or at work

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Quantum Field Theory Demystified is your shortcut to understanding this fascinating area of physics.

Customer Reviews (15)

This does what it says!
Quantum field theory is daunting for anyone working in the field and even more so for others who want to learn what it is all about. "Quantum Field Theory Demystified" is an excellent primer and will be useful to anyone who has taken a previous elementary class in quantum physics. There are a few math typos and I would have loved to see more about the Higgs field explained.I recommend it.

Fred Alan Wolf aka Dr. Quantum

Taking the Quantum Leap: The New Physics for Nonscientists

Not useful to learn quantum field theory



Sadly, this book is almost completely useless to learn quantum field theory.
There is actually very little quantum field theory discussed at all!

For example,

- Wick's theorem is not even mentioned!

- There is no mention of the LSZ reduction formula!



At this point, you might wonder how can the author derive the Feynman rules at all.
Good question. After writing the time evolution as a Dyson series, the author writes, I quote:

"Confused? Who wouldn't be. Luckily Feynman understood well enough this stuff to distill
it down to a simple recipe. We will forget everything we've done so far and use the Feynman rules
to calculate amplitudes"

He then just throws in the Feynman rules.
This is unacceptable given that the purpose of the book is supposedly to demystify
quantum field theory!

But it does not stop there. Feynman rules are only given for tree level processes.
There is no discussion of loop diagrams anywhere in the book! And therefore, no
discussion of regularization, renormalization, the renormalization group, Fadeev-Popov ghosts
and all the subtleties associated to loop dagrams.

Even worse, there areno explanations of how to calculate decay rates and cross sections!!
So there is not a singleexample of cross section or decay rate calculations in the book, not even
for tree level processes!

There are about 10 pages on path integrals and it is only in the context of quantum mechanics.
(And 3 of these pages are devoted to showing how to integrate x^n e^(-a x^2)!)

Some space is devoted to the electroweak theory and the Higgs mechanism, as well as a short chapter on
SUSY, but this is a strange choice of topics when there are such huge gaps in the sections on
quantum field theory, supposedly the main topic of the book. To learn quantum field theory, QFT Demystified
is useless, I am sorry to say.

Even the little material that is covered contains mistakes, and not just typos.
For example, he defines a group G as something obeying four axioms, one of which is

"Axiom 4.Order: The order of the group is the number of elements that belongs to G."

Obviously, this does not make sense as an axiom!


If you want a nice and pedagogical introduction to both quantum field theory and to
particle physics, save your money and getGriffiths'book (An Introduction to ElementaryParticles) is infinitelybetter.
After GriffithsI woudl suggest any of the following books: Srednicki, Maggiore,Mandl and Shaw,
Aithchison and Hey, Halzen and Martin, Ryder, Peskin and Schroeder, Hatfield or Greiner, etc.

To conclude, if you know even a tiny bit about QFT, you won't learn anything new. If you have no background in QFT, you might feel that you have learned a little, but as soon as you look at other books or try to do a calculation, you will realize that the book did not teach you much.

Does what it says on the cover
I thought this book was excellent because it does exactly what it said it would... it demystifies quantum field theory. What this means is that, if like me you have a good non-mathematical understanding of particle physics and want to take the next step from quantum mechanics to quantum field theory ths book enables you to do that. It has loads of examples which clearly demystify the maths. It's not the final book you will use, its the middle one. The one that allows you to go from quantum mechnics to field theory. Enjoy
ps Beware, lots of typos

Intro to QFT
This book seemed like an entry into this study of QFT (at home in spare time).I was looking for a book with formulas rather than one of the many books that avoid them.

My physics training is 3 decades old now and very rusty.I quickly got confused and it turns out because of errors in the text rather than the material.Good to know I remember enough physics to pick up errors but frustrating to be slowed down so quickly by them.

I've put the book aside after less than 2 chapters.The good news this book inspired me to turn to "QFT in a nutshell" that I've had for a few months.

Three stars because it might be a good casual read but I don't intend to pay too much attention to the formulas except at a very high level.I might take it on trips and read on the plane.

Great supplement
By reading this book alone, you will not master quantum field theory.You probably won't learn much except for some lingo and a few equations.However, if you pair this book with Griffiths Intro to Elementary Particles, or Zee's Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell, then you will get great results!This helpful little book cuts straight to the important material.It is very much like an outline of basic quantum field theory, so the more you know all around (i.e. from lectures, other books, etc) the more use you will get from this book.I would especially recommend this book to anyone trying to self-study quantum field theory. ... Read more

Product Description
The concept of Quantum Physics led Einstein to state that "God does not play dice". The difficulty he, and others, had with Quantum Physics was the great conceptual leap it requires taking from conventional ways of thinking about the physical world. Alastair Rae's introductory exploration into this area has been hailed as a "masterpiece of clarity" and is an engaging guide to the theories offered. This revised edition contains a new chapter covering theories developed during the past decade. Alastair Rae has been a Lecturer, a Senior Lecturer, then Reader in Quantum Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at University of Birmingham from 1967-2003. His publications include the First Edition of Quantum Physics, (Cambridge, 1994) and Quantum Mechanics (Institute of Physics, 2002), now in its Fourth Edition. First Edition Pb (1994): 0-521-46716-0 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent Book
I have read many books about the subject, they were ok but always missing something. I found this book as complete as it can be. His coverage for non-locality, EPR paradox, Bell's theorem,and the many interpretations of the quantum mechanics (Copenhagen, many worlds, Wigner's interpretation relating to the mind of the observer...) are well presented and heavily explained. I recomend this book to all the readers in physics. I hope that you will enjoy as I did.

For those with a little background a great book
Be warned, this book assumes you know a little about quantum physics to begin with.It's not going to walk you through all the basics of the field.But for those who've had an introduction to the concepts of quantum physics, it's a great examination of the conceptual problems of quantum physics.Don't be fooled by its short length -- this is a book to be read slowly, re-read, an digested.The discussion of the EPR paradox and Bell's Theory is especially good, because it's more technical and mathematical than those in other intro books, and while therefore more difficult, it's also more rewarding.

Don't tell God what to do
A. Rae struggles with the conceptual and philosophical implications of quantum physics (qf).
His book contains excellent explanations of the destruction of determinism, because uncertainty and indeteterminism are built into qf's very foundations. He also rejects the 'hidden variables' solution to solve qf's apparent contradictions. He shows also the fundamental opposition between Einstein and Bohr.
Unfortunately, this book contains a comment on the out-of-date Popper-Eccles discussion on the body/mind problem and their statement that the mind is not subject to the laws of physics. This problem has been resolved (see V. Ramachandran's linguistic solution in 'Phantoms in the brain', or G. Edelman's 'A universe of consciousness').
But I found certain flaws in the author's reasoning due mainly to the choice of bad examples.
Firstly, let me state one fundamental specification: reality is a process, not a fact (L. Smolin).
That is the reason why his ultimate question 'If reality is only what is observed ...' is not a good one.
A qf measurement does not create the 'only' reality. Protons, electrons, dead or alive cats, DNA mutations exist, even if they are not observed. A qf measurement is part of the universal process. In qf we only measure complementarities (properties) as Bohr stated.
Secondly, A. Rae states that macroscopic processes are irreversible (the second law of thermodynamics) and microscopic ones reversible.
For reversibility he chooses as example the collision of two molecules. I doubt firmly that in our universe after the collision the molecules can (without an exterior intervention) go back to their initial states. Those interactions are 'theoretically' reversible.
On the other hand, the life or death of a cat is a macroscopic event. The cat example is a good 'figure' to explain the qf theory, but it is a bad one to build a conceptual or philosophical theory on it. Nobody will calculate the outcome of a certain event based on a dead/alive scenario if a simple look at the cat's condition can eliminate 50% of the possibilities. The same goes for the DNA mutations.
The theory of I. Prigogyne (his books are difficult) is certainly a step in the good direction. As reality is a process, indeterminism should also be the fundamental cornerstone for classical physics, but naturally not in our daily Euclidian life.
In the case of the 'many worlds' question, I prefer Rudolf Peierls's solution where he proposes to speak of many world 'possibilities' (see P. Davies' 'The ghost in the atom').
This is a thought-provoking book. Not to be missed.

Long review for a good short book
Since the formulation of quantum theory in the 1920s the Copenhagen Interpretation of reality has been the mainstream view among physicists. But this interpretation has been uncomfortable for many, because it raises a number of paradoxes. The lack of cause and effect, (indeterminism), the so called "observer effect (quantum measurement problem), and non-locality, are among them.
Waisting no time in this 118 page book, Alastair Rae grabs the reader in the very first sentence of the book by quoting Albert Einstein's famous pronouncement: "Does God play dice [with the universe]?"
Using impeccable logic and only a bit of mathematical jargon, which can be circumvented by the reader, Rae sets out to solve many of these paradoxes. Citing experiments with polarized photons of light, he asks: What exactly constitutes a measurement? Does a measurement occur when a record is made? Or does it take consciousness to collapse the wave into a definitive particle? Is there a resolution to the Schrodinger's Cat paradox? How can we explain nonlocality?
Rae systematically entertains and rebuts in a convincing and objective way many different philosophies put forward to make sense of quantum reality. Some have claimed, most notably Niels Bohr, that it's the interaction of the partilce with a macor-measuring device that instigates the collapse. Others believe that it takes a consciousness to create reality. Still others, looking for a way to save determinism, and circumvent the measurement problem latch on to Hugh Everett's many-world interpetation.
Ironically as Rae points out most scientists claim to be "positivists", believing that it is meaningless to speculate on unobservable quantities. yet, they apparently have no problem believing in a myriad of unobservable and unmeasureable universes, completely and irreversibly cut off from our own.
In the final two chapters Rae objectively entertains what he believes is the most likely resolution of the quantum measurement problem. His idea was first proposed by Ilya Prigonine who won the Nobel Prize for his work in the field of irreversible chemical thermodynamics. The classical idea put forward by Prigonine states that there is an irreversible arrow of time and the second law of thermodynamics is never violated.Citing Prigonine's work, Rae explains: If no measurement is made of a quantum system no impression has been made on the universe, and the information which could have been obtained can be reversed and destroyed. If, however, a measurement is made, a change of some sort has occurred, either in the measuring device or our brain. The measurement has impacted the universe in some manner, and as a result the macro system must now follow the second law of thermodynamics, which has and arrow of time and hence is irreversible.
Rae states that "if we follow Prigogine's approach, indeterminism becomes an implicit part of classical physics.
Has Alastair Rae accomplished what he set out to do in this Book? Not quite.At the beginning of the book he states that he will tackle the problem of indeterminism, yet he spends most of his time attempting to explain the quantum measurement problem which is something quite different. And when he does address determinsim it falls short on several points.
First, a Prigogine macro system is indeed unpredictable, but it is not indeterminate as Rae seems to imply. Rather, it is a determinate and irreversible system having and arrow of time and an initial cause, no matter how subtle.
Secondly, he fails to address the process of nuclear decay, and the jump of the electron from one orbit to another--both of which are "real" and indeterminate.
Finally, in regard to the quantum measurement problem. Rae does not take into account recent experiments done with photons as cited in Scientific American (November 1991). In this particular experimental set-up at the Universtity of Rochester, researchers demonstrated that "The mere possibility that the paths can be distinguished is enough to wipe out the interference pattern." There is no measurement made, no record made, and no interaction with a macro system. Yet, the collapse of the wave happens without interacting with a macro sytem. Therefore, it seems that Ray's explanation of a resolution to the problem by creating a record in a classical Prigogine system is invalid.
This is still a very well written, concise, and provacative book and I would recommend it for those who want to understand the basic principles and paradoxes of quantum reality. This review written by: Quantum Reality1, author of "Quantum Reality: A New Philosophical Perspective."

Thank you, Alastair Rae
It has only been once in a great while that a thin little tome has taught me so much, and been so much fun.Before Quantum Physics by Alastair Rae, the last one I remember was Richard Feynmann's QED.I now feel like I have at least a near understanding of Bell's Theorem, EPR, SQUIDS, and an assortment of things and concepts that were tantalizing but vague until now.Thank you, Alastair, you're a good teacher.And, the little surprise at the end, Prigogine's possible answer.I'd always found him intriguing.Now I know why. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is based on notes from the course developed and taught for more than 30 years at the Department of Mathematics of Leningrad University. The goal of the course was to present the basics of quantum mechanics and its mathematical content to students in mathematics. This book differs from the majority of other textbooks on the subject in that much more attention is paid to general principles of quantum mechanics. In particular, the authors describe in detail the relation between classical and quantum mechanics. When selecting particular topics, the authors emphasize those that are related to interesting mathematical theories. In particular, the book contains a discussion of problems related to group representation theory and to scattering theory. This book is rather elementary and concise, and it does not require prerequisites beyond the standard undergraduate mathematical curriculum. It is aimed at giving a mathematically oriented student the opportunity to grasp the main points of quantum theory in a mathematical framework. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than 25 years, Alastair Rae's Quantum Mechanics has been one of the most highly regarded textbooks in this area. From elementary atomic physics and mathematics, to angular momentum and time dependence, to relativity and quantum computing, the text shows how cutting-edge research topics of quantum mechanics have been applied to various disciplines.

Retaining the clarity of its predecessors, this fifth edition presents revised and updated material throughout the text. It offers a clear exposition of fundamental ideas, additional worked examples of the application of quantum mechanics principles to a range of physical problems, and more information on modern quantum information technology. This text was one of the first to include a substantial discussion of the conceptual and philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, which has been revised and extended in the fifth edition. Other topics covered include one- and three-dimensional Schrödinger equations, angular momentum, time-independent perturbation theory, time dependence, scattering, and relativity.

Cementing its reputation as an exceptional introductory textbook, Quantum Mechanics, Fifth Edition fully covers the concepts of quantum mechanics taught in an undergraduate physics course and provides the foundation necessary for other specialized courses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

My favorite quantum mechanics textbook
When I first used Schiff for my quantum mechanics textbook as a graduate student, I don't think that I truly appreciated it--although I did find it more useful than Mertzbacher, Gottfried, or Messiah.Now, over thirty five years later, I find myself going to it again and again--especially when starting a new research project.It is the first quantum text that I turn to--beyond a shadow of a doubt!I especially like its summary of Dirac's bra and ket notation, and its treatment of angular momentum.

One of the best quantum books around
This is definitely my favorite quantum mechanics book.It's clear, concise, and Schiff has an uncanny way of making an entire difficult concept clear in only 1-2 sentences.I've sometimes spent hours struggling over a topic in another book, and then opened Schiff and been amazed to have all my confusion cleared up in a single sentence.In my opinion, the strongest part of this book is not so much in explaining *how* do to something (most decent books cover this -- it's mostly just math, anyway), but is in allowing one to see the logic behind everything that's going on.

Much better than Merzbacher
When I studied quantum mechanics I found this to be a much better book than Merzbacher.It is short and to the point without leaving out too much.Just the essentials.However, I do believe there are better books out there today and there are gaps in the treatment in this book.For instance it is not as strong on the Dirac representation as it should be.I have come to the realization that it is best if the various representations are presented in depth in the first quantum mechanics course rather that being scattered thoughout graduate study or not even covered.Nevertheless, when I wanted a good solid treatment of a subject that was vague or glossed over in the other books this is where I came.Next was the literature.

a very good text book
It is very difficult to find a better book than Schiff's for a student studying physics. I always think, different kind of book has different goal, even they deal with the similar problem. Dirac's "principle"is a very good expert's book; Landau's "QM" is a reference for a better understand of QM after a good understand; Schiff's gives you the enough knowlege to do further whatever you are interested in, and the knowlege is shown by Schiff in a lucid and concise way, the second edition has only 417 pages, anyone else will write over 600 pages if he wants to cover the same material. From this book you can get the necessary knowlege without trying so hard as you do from Dirac or Landau's, for me I think I learnt more from Schiff than the sum from the Dirac and Landau. Yes, Schiff can't make you an expert in any field(nobody can except youself), but he leads you the first step. If you are a student, is it just what you need?

A masterpiece
One must have mastered the material in this book to be well
educated in applied quantum mechanics.It is a classic,and
the material is clearly presented.It must be kept available.Amore
specialized classic is Bethe and Salpeter's Quantum Mechanics
of One and Two Electron Atoms which also should be mastered by
those interested in applied quantum mechanics.The mathematics
of both volumes is clear.Schiff could include some more physical
insight,and of course both volumes need to be updated. I have
taught with Schiff in my graduate course for over 10 years. ... Read more

Product Description
Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

one the the most important work in quantum mechanics
It's a very important book, written by the father of group theory application in physics (with Wigner and Pauli), and one of the best mathematician of 20th century, Hermann Weyl. Everyone who wants study a deeper view of quantum mechanics, in his intrinsic mathematical formulation, should read this work. After a firt brief introduction to quantum theory, he passes to explain the theory of rapresentation of groups, and its physical application, like the rotation group, or Lorentz group, and finally the theory of simmetry. It's a fundamental book for a good understandig of the importance of simmetries in modern physics. Without any doubt one the the most important work in quantum mechanics.

Still a good book
Written in the early years of the quantum theory, the author of this book foresaw the importance of considering symmetry in physics, the use of which now pervades most of theoretical high energy physics. Indeed, with the advent of gauge theories, and their experimental validation, it is readily apparent that symmetry principles are here to stay, and are just not accidental curiosities. A reader of the book can still gain a lot from the perusal of this book, in spite of its date of publication and its somewhat antiquated notation. Older books also have the advantage of discussing the material more in-depth, and do not hesitate to use hand-waving geometrical pictures when appropriate. This approach results in greater insight into the subject, and when coupled with eventual mathematical rigor gives it a solid foundation. One example where the discussion is superior to modern texts is in the author's discussion of group characters and their application to irreducible representations and spectra in atomic systems.

The reader will no doubt probably want to couple the reading of this book with a more modern text so as to alleviate the notational oddities in this book. The author's presentation is clear enough though to make an appropriate translation to modern notation. The reader will then be well prepared to tackle more advanced material in mathematical and theoretical physics that make use of the group-theoretic constructions that take place in this book.

A wonderful book
This is my favorite introduction to quantum mechanics. It is a difficult book, because it is succinct, though clear, and reflects Weyl's powerful intellect and original approach at every step. Each page is a challenge, but worth the effort.

One of the two great classics on group theory in physics
The other one is Wigner's "Group Theory and Quantum Mechanics". As it is true of the other great books by Weyl, this is not an easy book, but it is, by all means, accessible. Don't try to read it in front of the TV set. Get pencil and paper, put yourself in a calm and contemplative mood and patiently read the words of the master. Hermann Weyl, one of the great minds of the 20th century, wrote this book with utmost care to make it self-contained. Sometimes you have to be deep in order to be brief, so the book requires some thought. But the main ideas are all there, and the connection of group theory with quantum mechanics has here its best treatment, in my humble opinion. But in less humble too: this was the only book concerning physics which Enrico Fermi read as a grown up. Once, Max Born had to write a synthetic exposition of Quantum Mechanics. After he finished it, he saw, for the first time, this book, and Weyl's synthesis of QM. He felt depressed by the superiority of Weyl's text. The book was originally written in German, but the translation is excellent, due to the great American cosmologist H. P. Robertson, of Robertson-Walker fame.

Classic from the early days of quantum mechanics
Although published by Dover in 1984, this book dates back to about 1930, when Weyl was the big proponent of group theory in quantum mechanics. Because of this date, much of what modern books on group theory wouldinclude, is absent from the book. It mainly discusses the permutationgroup. The book is, however, of historic interest, as Weyl (mathematician)tried to convince the physicists to exploit group theory - which even gaverise to some irritation ("group pest"). ... Read more

Product Description
At the beginning of the 21^st century, physics is being driven to very unfamiliar territory--the domain of the incredibly small and the incredibly heavy. The new world is a world in which both quantum mechanics and gravity are equally important. But mysteries remain. One of the biggest involved black holes. Famed physicist Stephen Hawking claimed that anything sucked in a black hole was lost forever. For three decades, Leonard Susskind and Hawking clashed over the answer to this problem. Finally, in 2004, Hawking conceded.

THE BLACK HOLE WAR will explain the mind-blowing science that finally won out, and the emergence of a new paradigm that argues the world--this catalog, your home, your breakfast, you--is actually a hologram projected from the edges of space.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (52)

A Bet Not a Battle
Since I am not a physicist of any kind I don't feel entitled to render any technical opinion with regard to Leonard Susskind's latest, "The Black Hole War", and his historical recounting of his debate with Stephen Hawking over the loss of information when it passes into a black hole.I am also not a mathematician and am therefore unable to comment on the math that makes string theory, for instance, necessary to describe his side of the debate.I am, however, an engineer and practically speaking the idea that as an object approaches a frontier it can never pass that frontier because with each step it moves it only divides its distance to the frontier in half.Therefore the object will continue to get closer and closer into infinity and never make it to the frontier let alone pass into it.That has never made sense to me...the joke that an engineer can get close enough rings true.

Yet here we have a book that by my estimate is more accessible than Hawking's (A Brief History of Time), as well as Woit's counter argument to string theory (Not Even Wrong).Susskind delivers a well written account of most of the basic physics necessary to understand his problem, as well as a few others. He takes us through the years and many clues that were uncovered eventually leading Hawking to concede he was indeed wrong...apparently. The war, by the way, was waged over a twenty year period but the only evidence that there was a war seems to be in Susskind's mind.Hawking's concession comes at the end of the book, on page 445, if it's a concession.It seems Susskind spent the first 444 pages of the book teaching us physics so that we could understand when Hawking threw in the towel.I did not learn enough to understand this defeat.I did learn that the amount of money that it was worth to Hawking that he was right was exactly $1 U.S. dollar. That came in the form of a wager he made with another physicist, but his concession left me flat. This was a small bet, not a battle.

This is a good book definitely written by a man who loves his work and can express concepts to the lay person on the order of Carl Sagan.Black Holes are more understandable here then in anything I have read.String theory is also well treated.I recommend this book to the weekend physicist or perhaps grade school science teacher but I don't think it presents anything close an understanding of the material to produce an explanation or to actually engage in a debate on the topic.4-stars.

All hat and no science
...or at least very little.

I admire scientists and they have every right to think highly of themselves individually and as a group.But Susskind's ego is so huge that it distorts the fabric of space-time around this book.And as the book contains constant distortions of its own, trying to make one's way through it while maintaining a reasonably correct version of the current state of knowledge re quantum theory, relativity theory, and particularly information theory and black hole theory, which Hawking remains the master of despite Susskind's vain crowing, is nearly impossible.

Susskind's big claim to fame:for about five minutes he was right and Hawking was wrong over an arcane detail concerning what might happen to information swallowed up by a black hole.Actually neither were quite right and Hawking has since restated the matter in what is now the currently (tentatively) accepted version.

The book's (and most of the reviews') most irritating distortion is to state in present tense a position briefly held by Hawking as if it were still his position ("According to Hawking...").

The warping of reality begins with the title."War.""My battle with Stephen Hawking."Hawking probably wouldn't remember Susskind's name if Susskind weren't such a indefatigable self-publicist.Hawking's name on the cover is what sells Susskind's book.Quantum mechanics is, was, and will be (until something better comes along, if ever) quite safe even in those infinite versions of our universe where Susskind didn't happen to have been born.

And quantum theory and general relativity still are not close to being resolved, and nothing Susskind has done has made them a Plank-length closer.Hawking's latest popularizer describes in simple and modest terms how M-theory may accomplish that in the future, though there is much to be done both experimentally and in theory.

Susskind probably doesn't have the math to do string theory, or else he would be doing something useful there (as the increasingly debilitated Hawking still manages) instead of still clinging, like a has-been, punch-drunk fighter, to his brief moment of (as he sees it) triumph over the master.

Plenty of excellent pop books on the current state of play.Pick the one with the most chapters on whatever most interests you.Avoid this self-glorifying embarrassment.

An insightful introduction to modern physics
How could one expect a lay public to follow such an arcane debate? Yet the author opens the tale with himself and a colleague staring perplexed at a blackboard displaying the conundrum. He succeeds by presenting their perplexity as a mystery novel; one which I found hard to put down.

Two hundred pages later one has begun to appreciate their perplexity, and one has also learned an appreciation of some of the fundamental concepts of modern physics. The author does not just dictate facts, but offers insights. I found new approaches to introducing these concepts to my undergraduate students.

I am still confused
Even though I put in about seven years as a mathematician forty seven years ago ending with fancy letters after my name, there was a point in this book where I could no longer understand of the author's explanations of string theory with thought experiments.The explanation of entropy as information is one of the best I have read for laypersons.I remember a class on information theory with David Blackwell at Berkeley in the early 60's and by god there was a formula for entropy in a signal but I never could translate that into the real physical world.Susskind's presentations and examples were very useful.

This book is a strange one.The problem of making common sense of an abstruse science expressed in complex mathematics both of which have left common sense far behind is fundamentally contradictory.Using thought experiments,calling on the authority of Einstein who used them brilliantly, to demonstrate ideas which are really embodied in the thought experiment----and then the author wavinghis hands and saying that he is skipping the details which really make or break the argument--- is great literary device for us poor untutored readers, but of course this begs the question.We are simply taking the author's word for it, even if someone who disagrees with him would use the same handwaving to assert a contrary position.This is a conundrum in writing about the contents of science, particularly math and physics, for lay persons.

So where is physics really at.It gets me.As far as I could tell not much of what the author was writing about has been tested out there.He says that there isn't a shred of experimental data on the entropy, temperature, Hawking radiation, black hole complementarily, holographic principle relating to black holes.So who cares.And somewhere else I think he says that string theory is essentially untestable.Well certainly I can't make sense of string theory even as the author presents it.Relativity, quantum theory, nuclear physics ring a bell but is string theory just an intellectual game because physicists need the Newtonian project of a theory of how the universe runs, even if the theory is untestable. It is akin to Milton Friedman's ringing endorsement of modern portfolio theory whose assumptions are unrealistic and whose use by financial wizards have almost led us into a depression. It doesn't really matter about what went into the theory if it works, i.e. can generate the historical record.

I like what Susskind has to say about the relation between our common sense of the world and physics' explanations of how it works.In 1905 Einstein disabused us of simultaneity, then quantum theory of determinism. We humans make sense of thing in a time, gravity and space that are a very small proportion of the times and spaces in which most of the universe operate. So no wonder we can't conceive of how things work even though we might be able to create a mathematics and experimental realm to actually manipulate some of the things happening which contradict our common sense.And the theoretical discussion of black holes disables our common sense even more.Events in and out of the horizons of black hole are really different events depending on where you stand. Things that should be happening inside the black hole are only seen to occur on its horizon and the horizon itself is weird.My new age friends want all this to be evidence to support pseudo-Hindu or Buddhist ideas about the nature of reality.And there are many physicists bored with their physics who make a living off of feeding this illusion.Some fifteen or so years ago I sent a bright young student of mine who was interested in the Tao of physics to chat with physics professors in the university about the subject.He came back shaken at how dismissive they were.Now part of this was simply hostility to anything woo woo, but part of it was a recognition of how off base the popular discussions were from what the physics really addressed.

A couple of other comments about the book.I know I haven't really addressed the core of the author's assertions, but I don't think I am competent to.But where I am is his use of Thomas Kuhn's ideas of scientific revolution.Although Kun hardly emphasized it, he was deeply influenced by 1920s and 1930s sociological phenomenology. Yes Scientific Revolutions ended with ideas that were strictly incommensurable with the accepted theory which came before.Einstein's space and time were not Newton's and quantum's notions contradicted Einstein's.First revolutionary formulations help explain experimental anomalies in the old order, then new confirmations: maybe indeterminism doesn't make sense, but it sure works.Then comes normal science, what sociologists used to call bench science. Assumptions are not questioned and useful results ground out.You don't get Nobel prizes for it but it sure changes how we are able to manipulate the world.Black hole physics may involve a change of paradigms a la Kuhn, but it is not normal science because it doesn't manipulate the world, i.e. it isn't experimental.And physics which isn't experimental, might as well be math, or philosophy.And when it comes to explaining the history of these subject matters, Kuhn's model is highly suspect.My first question to him in 1966 was, "What does pre-paradigmatic mathematics look like?"He couldn't answer then and I still can't now.Although sociologists and psychologists love to claim paradigms and embrace Kuhn's model to try to hitchhike on the authority of Science, they can't do Kuhn's normal science.I wonder about physicists who can't either.Maybe the Hadron Accelerator will suck us into a black hole.I don't understand enough physics even to be able to think about the possibility.If so, then the theories of black holes become real physics.Anyway, the first part of Susskind's book is a good read. I fell down 2/3rds of the way through.

Charlie Fisherauthor ofDismantling Discontent: Buddha's Way Through Darwin's World

Excellent book
This book explains very difficult concepts in simple terms for a general audience. The book is specifically about a war between relativists and quantum physicists about the properties of black holes and information as a physical quantity. Susskind is a great writer. His style enthralls the reader all the way to the end of the book. I give this book 5 stars for the writing style, analogies, and introduction of very difficult concepts in simple terms. I have formal training in Physics and I am familiar with a fair amount of the Mathematics needed to work out problems in Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, and String Theory. So I understand the challenges a writer faces when trying to put these concepts in simple terms and I have read both very technical books and also books for the general audience on these subjects. Susskind does an excellent job. This is one of the best books I have read on modern Physics for a general audience. I highly recommend this book to both students of Physics and professional scientists and to anybody who is interested and enjoys Physics. ... Read more

Product Description
The aim of this book is to explain the basic concepts and phenomena of quantum mechanics by means of visualization. Computer-generated illustrations are used extensively throughout the text, helping to establish the relation between quantum mechanics --- wave functions, interference, atomic structure, and so forth --- and classical physics --- point mechanics, statistical mechanics, and wave optics. Even more important, by studying the pictures in parallel with the text, readers develop an intuition for such notoriously abstract phenomena as- the tunnel effect- excitation and decay of metastable states- wave packet motion within a well- systems of distinguishable and indistinguishable particles- free wave packets and scattering in 3 dimensions- angular momentum decomposition- stationary bound states in various 3-dimensional potentials- Kepler motion of wave packets in the Coulomb field- Spin and magnetic resonanceIllustrations from experiments in a variety of fields, including chemistry, and molecular, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, underline the basic as well as the practical importance of quantum mechanics. Illustrations from experiments in a variety of fields, including chemistry, and molecular, atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, underline the basic as well as the practical importance of quantum mechanics.

From reviews of earlier editions:Most serious students of physics and all of their teachers will want to consider having this orderly and graphic outline of introductory quantum theory at their fingertips. --- American Journal of Physics

The book is of high quality and well written.... [It] helps the student of quantum mechanics get a better intuition of the subject. --- International Journal of Quantum Chemistry

This is a unique book. --- Nature . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Visual quantum mechanics
This book on its own is not enough to understand the mathematics and physics that is required for an introductory course in quantum theory and quantum mechanics as a whole. It is an amazing supplement to any other material you might use to understand some sort of a physical representation to the nature of some of the phenomena associated.

The visualizations and graphs shed some much needed light on many topics, especially if you are doing this exploration on your own.

Don't expect the mathematics to be easy, and definitely don't expect everything in the book to be clear from the first instance but the visualizations truly give you a clearer picture of what is discussed. (something to imagine as you flip the equations around your head).

I personally jump from one material to another and return to the picture book to help me sink in the maths and the mind twisting revelations of QM.

Excellent addition to any serious library about quantum mechanics. Just wish it can be expanded with an excellent introduction and discussion like in Principles of Quantum Mechanics by R. Shankar.

A ray of light
This book is totally excellent. This book sheds much light on quantum mechanics with its excellent graphical representations of the functions involved. The CD-ROM is also great. The companion book which introduces the computer software usd to generate many of these graphics is also great and brings a physics lab into your own room (well as far as is possible)! These books make the reader feel like a physicist rather than a recipient of some authour's bruised ego as the authour tries to confuse the reader by demonstrating 'mathematical prowess' by making their subject dull and unintelligible. This book is beautiful and inspiring and a must for anyone interested in quantum mechanics. The text contains a lot of detail, but the accompanying images make even the harder parts a joy to read. Since reading this book I have decided that a proper physics book is not simply a half-explained mathematical proof splattered on paper with accompanying problems that try to out-smart competing authours, but a good physics book is, like this one, about physics! Physics can be a very visual subject, so let's make it so! If more books were as well thought out as this one then we would have more first-class physicists! ... Read more

Product Description

This fresh and original text on quantum mechanics focuses on: the development of numerical methods for obtaining specific results; the presentation of group theory and the systematic use of operators; the introduction of the functional integral and its applications in approximation; the discussion of distant correlations and experimental measurements. Numerous exercises with hints and solutions, examples and applications, and a guide to key references help the student to work with the text.

Customer Reviews (1)

understandable quantum mechanics
This book is by far the best on the market at the advanced undergrad/Ist year post grad level (tho Gasiorowicz runs a close second). Reasons for this opinion:

* The text runs in a very lucid and logical way
* The maths explanations are very clear
* There is a good balance between being too brief
and just load of obscure verbiage
* All the main points are covered thoroughly - there is no
dumbing down
* The problems are relevant and answers/guidlines very useful
* There is a good balance between theory and calculations ... Read more

Product Description
Electrical and mechanical engineers, materials scientists and applied physicists will find Levi's uniquely practical 2006 explanation of quantum mechanics invaluable. This updated and expanded edition of the bestselling original text now covers quantization of angular momentum and quantum communication, and problems and additional references are included. Using real-world engineering examples to engage the reader, the author makes quantum mechanics accessible and relevant to the engineering student. Numerous illustrations, exercises, worked examples and problems are included; Matlab source codes to support the text are available from www.cambridge.org//9780521860963. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very practical quantum mechanics book
This is a very practical quantum mechanics book. It tells you how to use quntum mechanics in many practical engineering situations. The worked problems at the end of each chapter help to enliven and reenforce the learning experience. The chapters on quantum tunneling is especially good. This book is suitable for students studying applied physics, materials science, electrical, electronic, mechanical engineering.

Excellent book
This book is an excelent introduction of quantum mechanics for engineers and non-physicists.

stresses important practical cases
Levi's book differs from standard QM texts, in furnishing more of an applied bent. Directed towards those students in applied physics, materials science and engineering. For example, there is a superb chapter on electron propagation in crystals. Where we see how to describe propagation by transmission matrices. And how energy bands arise due to the periodicity of the potential seen by electrons. Of course, solid state texts also discuss this. But the treatment here of such ideas as tunnelling, and using the WKB approximation to describe that tunnelling in a semiquantitative manner, is clear and detailed. Plus, the examples focus on important heterostructures, where band gap engineering is important.

For semiconductor lasers, there is a similar treatment. With comparisons amongst the common types of laser diodes, like GaAs and InGaAsP.

The numerous problems and the copiously worked out examples are also anice feature of the text.

A window to the world of quantum mechanics for the engineer... but not completely self-contained
There is no shortage of quantum mechanics text to choose from. And if I had solely relied on the majority recommendations for an introductory text, I would have certainly missed this gem.

The author is very successful presenting the recondite fundamentals of quantum mechanics in a manner accessible to material scientists and engineers. This is accomplished without losing the rigor necessary to build a strong foundation. Applications of concepts are dispersed through out the chapters and keep the reader's attention.

But by the far the best selling point of this book are the worked problems at the end of the chapters. It is my personal opinion that if a textbook fails to at least provide final answers and solution hints to presented exercises, it is not really a textbook, but a reference reserved for those who have been adequately exposed to the material before. Here all end of the chapter questions are accompanied with worked solutions. This is a rarity among all undergrad or graduate science or engineering texts. This alone makes it valuable for self-study.

To those completely uninitiated to quantum mechanics, I do not recommend this book as a sole source because it is not sufficiently self-contained. It would be best to complement it with "Introduction to Applied Quantum and Statistical Mechanics" by Hagelstein. I have yet to read "Applied Quantum Mechanics" by Kroemer, which has recieved much praise and appears to be another excellent introductory source. ... Read more