This textbook presents a concise yet detailed introduction to quantum
physics. Concise, because it condenses the essentials to a few
principles. Detailed, because these few principles - necessarily rather
abstract - are illustrated by several telling examples. A fairly
complete overview of the conventional quantum mechanics curriculum is
the primary focus, but the huge field of statistical thermodynamics is
covered as well.
The text explains why a few key discoveries shattered the prevailing
broadly accepted classical view of physics. First, matter appears to
consist of particles which, when propagating, resemble waves.
Consequently, some observable properties cannot be measured
simultaneously with arbitrary precision. Second, events with single
particles are not determined, but are more or less probable. The essence
of this is that the observable properties of a physical system are to be
represented by non-commuting mathematical objects instead of real
numbers.
Chapters on exceptionally simple, but highly instructive examples
illustrate this abstract formulation of quantum physics. The simplest
atoms, ions, and molecules are explained, describing their interaction
with electromagnetic radiation as well as the scattering of particles. A
short introduction to many particle physics with an outlook on quantum
fields follows. There is a chapter on maximally mixed states of very
large systems, that is statistical thermodynamics. The following chapter
on the linear response to perturbations provides a link to the material
equations of continuum physics. Mathematical details which would hinder
the flow of the main text have been deferred to an appendix.
The book addresses university students of physics and related fields. It
will attract graduate students and professionals in particular who wish
to systematize or refresh their knowledge of quantum physics when
studying specialized texts on solid state and materials physics,
advanced
optics, and other modern fields.
