Description
Book SynopsisThis book is based on material taught to final-year physics undergraduates as part of the theoretical physics option at Imperial College. After a self-contained introduction to the essential ideas of vector spaces and linear operators, a bridge is built between the concepts and mathematics of classical physics, and the new mathematical framework employed in quantum mechanics. The axioms of nonrelativistic quantum theory are introduced, and shown to lead to a variety of new conceptual problems. Subjects discussed include state-vector reduction, the problem of measurement, quantum entanglement, the Kochen-Specker theorem, and the Bell inequalities. The book includes twenty-five problems with worked solutions.
Trade Review"In the US it could serve as an excellent supplement for an introductory graduate course on quantum mechanics ... The discursive style and clear exposition make for equally attractive reading by someone familiar with the subject or by a student with only rudimentary knowledge ... The main text is supplemented by a substantial number of problems with solutions, which should help the beginner master the mathematics ... I would strongly recommend that anyone teaching the subject use this little book as supplementary reading." Physics Today (USA), Aug 1996 "The proper role of mathematics is to make things easy. When something can be expressed in the precise language of mathematics, results can be obtained by the application of given rules. Calculations are so simple that even computers can do them. Chris Isham's lectures on the mathematical and structural foundations of quantum theory, reproduced in this book, provide an excellent illustration of this truth ... a welcome addition to the modern literature on quantum theory. It is good to have a book that gives such an excellent description of the mathematical structure of quantum theory, written by an author who recognises the need to understand its meaning." Times Higher Educational Supp. (UK), Mar 1996 "Chris Isham's book is a welcome addition to the existing literature. If you already have some familiarity with quantum theory and you want one book -- get this one!" Science 2000 "... this is a clear, elegant and beautifully structured introductory account of some of the most puzzling aspects of physics ... I believe that this book will be particularly influential, however, because it makes the basic philosophical ideas and the mathematical theorems that underpin the rapidly developing field of quantum technology so accessible ... The novice can seek no more cultured or congenial guide than Chris Isham. I am convinced that this book -- to indulge in that hackneyed but totally appropriate phrase -- is destined to become a classic." Physics World, 1996 "The book is well structured and written with remarkable clarity ... can be recommended both as a very good textbook for students as well as for lecturers who are interested in the fundamental conceptual problems of quantum theory..." Reports on Mathematical Physics, Jun 1997
Table of ContentsVector spaces; linear operators; properties in classical physics; the general formalism of quantum theory; technical developments; unitary operators in quantum theory; some conceptual issues in quantum theory; properties in quantum physics; problems and answers.
