Interquanta (IQ), an interactive program on quantum mechanics allows
students to do their own quantum physics experiments on the computer,
and to study in 3D color graphics such quantities as complex probability
amplitude, eigencalues, scattering cross sections, and more. By
experiencing many such computer experiments, students gain a unique,
hands-on experience in quantum physics which is otherwise difficult to
achieve. The graphic features include two-and three-dimensional graphics
in the form of static frames and motion pictures.
Students do no programming, and hence need no previous detailed
knowledge of this. The program has a very convenient, self-explanatory
user interface based on the Java software technology. The book provides
a recapitulation of the basic quantum mechanical formula, a manual to
the IQ program, and a complete course with more than 300 tested
problems. Fully automatic demonstration sessions are provided as
introduction to interactive work.
Physics topics covered include free particles, bound states and
scattering in various potentials in one and three space dimensions,
two-particle systems, properties of special functions of mathematical
physics.