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Quantum mechanics: from classical analytical mechanics to quantum mechanics, simulation, foundations & engineering
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental subject in physics, often considered to be one of the most conceptually challenging topics. In many undergraduate courses, it is assumed that students are unfamiliar with the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics or the role of probability in Liouville's theorem (analytical mechanics). As a result, quantum physics is typically introduced using heuristic arguments, which can lead to surprising and counterintuitive concepts, and sometimes even incorrect interpretations.
This book takes an alternative approach by leveraging classical analytical mechanics to facilitate a natural transition to quantum physics. By introducing and utilising classical mechanics, we provide a solid foundation for understanding quantum phenomena. We discuss important examples within this context and explore both exact and computational methods.
Additionally, this book delves into quantum measurement and the transition from the quantum to the classical realm. It also introduces the emerging field of Quantum Systems Engineering, which focuses on the systematic design and construction of quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and sensors.
Key features of this textbook include:
This textbook is suitable for undergraduate students in physics and graduate students in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science.
Mark Everitt is the Director of Studies for Physics at Loughborough University, UK, where he has led a comprehensive and innovative revision of the physics degrees, increasing the level of challenge, guided by principles of authenticity and industry requirements. Notably, the first seven chapters of the book are derived from his second-year introductory core Quantum Physics module in these new degrees, which he leads and delivers with Duffus. He has been actively involved in a nationwide review aimed at enhancing the quality assurance and accreditation frameworks for physics degrees in the UK. His research includes the engineering of quantum circuits and devices for quantum technologies, feedback, measurement and control of quantum systems, and pioneering the field of quantum systems engineering as a distinct discipline.
Stephen Duffus is a university teacher within the Physics Department at Loughborough University. He has an established reputation of communicating complex ideas in an engaging and accessible fashion. During his PhD, his main area of research was in open quantum systems.
Kieran Niels Bjergstrom started his career as a theoretical physicist where his research focused on realistic modelling of open quantum systems, the reliability of quantum devices, and early notions of Quantum Systems Engineering – which was the topic of his PhD thesis. He has worked in and out of academia to develop Quantum Systems Engineering principles, tools and methodologies for realising mature quantum technologies with commercial traction. He is director of a technology and strategy consultancy, advising on areas of innovation, including the strategic impact of quantum technologies, methods and policies for realising quantum technology's commercial potential, and applied quantum systems engineering.
Chapter 1. Mathematical Preliminaries
Chapter 2. Notes on Classical Mechanics
Chapter 3. The Schrödinger View/Picture
Chapter 4. Other Formulations of Quantum Mechanics
Chapter 5. Vectors and Angular Momentum
Chapter 6. Some Analytic and Semi-Analytic Methods
Chapter 7 Applications and Examples
Chapter 8. Computational Simulation of Quantum Systems
Chapter 9. Open Quantum Systems
Chapter 10. Foundations: Measurement and the Quantum to Classical Transition
Chapter 11. Quantum Systems EngineeringThe New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.
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