Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the branch of relativistic quantum field theory that deals specifically with the interactions between charged particles. It is widely used to solve problems in many areas of physics, such as elementary particles, atomic and molecular systems, and solid state physics. This accessible text, Basics of Quantum Electrodynamics, supplies a solid foundation in this dynamic area of physics, making a direct connection to the concepts of quantum mechanics familiar to the advanced undergraduate student. Chapters cover the general theory of free fields and the quantization of the scalar, electromagnetic, and spinorial fields, which prepares readers for understanding field interactions. The authors describe the general theory of field interactions, introducing the scattering matrix and the Feynman-Dyson graphs. They then discuss divergence-free second-order processes, such as Compton and Moller scattering, followed by divergent second-order processes, which cover vacuum polarization and mass and charge renormalization. Providing a modern, informative textbook, this volume illustrates the intimate connection between quantum mechanics and QED in two basic steps: the quantization of free fields, followed by the theory of their interactions. The text contains solved problems to facilitate the application of the theory, as well as a useful appendix on the theory of distributions. The step-by-step description of the quantization of various fields and the clear presentation of the most important interaction processes in QED make this textbook a useful guide for those studying physics at both the graduate and undergraduate level, as well as a reference for teachers and researchers in the field.

Quantum field theory (QFT) is one of the great achievements of physics, of profound interest to mathematicians. Most pedagogical texts on QFT are geared toward budding professional physicists, however, whereas mathematical accounts are abstract and difficult to relate to the physics. This book bridges the gap. While the treatment is rigorous whenever possible, the accent is not on formality but on explaining what the physicists do and why, using precise mathematical language. In particular, it covers in detail the mysterious procedure of renormalization. Written for readers with a mathematical background but no previous knowledge of physics and largely self-contained, it presents both basic physical ideas from special relativity and quantum mechanics and advanced mathematical concepts in complete detail. It will be of interest to mathematicians wanting to learn about QFT and, with nearly 300 exercises, also to physics students seeking greater rigor than they typically find in their courses.

Choice Outstanding Title, September 2020 This book fills a gap in the middle ground between quantum mechanics of a single electron to the concept of a quantum field. In doing so, the book is divided into two parts; the first provides the necessary background to quantum theory extending from Planck's formulation of black body radiation to Schrodinger's equation; and the second part explores Dirac's relativistic electron to quantum fields, finishing with an description of Feynman diagrams and their meaning. Much more than a popular account, yet not too heavy so as to be inaccessible, this book assumes no prior knowledge of quantum physics or field theory and provides the necessary foundations for readers to then progress to more advanced texts on quantum field theory. It will be of interest to undergraduate students in physics and mathematics, in addition to an interested, general audience. Features: Provides an extensive yet accessible background to the concepts Contains numerous, illustrative diagrams Presents in-depth explanations of difficult subjects

This book gives a detailed study of the development and the interpretation given to Niels Bohr's Principle of Correspondence. It also describes the role that this principle played in guiding Bohr's research over the critical period from 1920 to 1927. Quantum mechanics, developed in the 1920s and 1930s by Bohr, Heisenberg, Born, Schroedinger and Dirac, represents one of the most profound turning points in science. This theory required a wholly new kind of physics in which many of the principles, concepts and models representing reality, that had formed the basis of classical physics since Galileo and Newton, had to be abandoned. This book re-examines the birth of quantum mechanics, in particular examining the development of crucial and original insights of Niels Bohr.

This volume is devoted to the theory of superfluid quantum liquids, describing the Landau theory of a neutral Fermi liquid in order to illustrate, in comparatively elementary fashion, the way both quantum statistics and particle interaction determine system behavior.

The two towering achievements of modern physics are quantum theory and Einstein's general theory of relativity. Together, they explain virtually everything about the world we live in. But, almost a century after their advent, most people haven't the slightest clue what either is about. Did you know that there's so much empty space inside matter that the entire human race could be squeezed into the volume of a sugar cube? Or that you grow old more quickly on the top floor of a building than on the ground floor? And did you realize that 1% of the static on a TV tuned between stations is the relic of the Big Bang? Marcus Chown, the bestselling author of What A Wonderful World and the Solar System app, explains all with characteristic wit, colour and clarity, from the Big Bang and Einstein's general theory of relativity to probability, gravity and quantum theory. 'Chown discusses special and general relativity, probablity waves, quantum entanglement, gravity and the Big Bang, with humour and beautiful clarity, always searching for the most vivid imagery.' Steven Poole, Guardian

Written for use in teaching and for self-study, this book provides a comprehensive and pedagogical introduction to groups, algebras, geometry, and topology. It assimilates modern applications of these concepts, assuming only an advanced undergraduate preparation in physics. It provides a balanced view of group theory, Lie algebras, and topological concepts, while emphasizing a broad range of modern applications such as Lorentz and Poincare invariance, coherent states, quantum phase transitions, the quantum Hall effect, topological matter, and Chern numbers, among many others. An example based approach is adopted from the outset, and the book includes worked examples and informational boxes to illustrate and expand on key concepts. 344 homework problems are included, with full solutions available to instructors, and a subset of 172 of these problems have full solutions available to students.

"I loved the book! This book is not just interesting, it is exciting. I have probably read every significant book in the field, and this is the strongest and most convincing one yet. It is also one of the most comprehensive in its explanations. I shall most certainly recommend the book to colleagues." -Richard G. Petty, MD "a very good introduction to the basic theory of quantum systems.... Dr. Georgiev's book aptly prepares the reader to confront whatever might be in store later." -from the Foreword by Prof. James F. Glazebrook, Eastern Illinois University This book addresses the fascinating cross-disciplinary field of quantum information theory applied to the study of brain function. It offers a self-study guide to probe the problems of consciousness, including a concise but rigorous introduction to classical and quantum information theory, theoretical neuroscience, and philosophy of the mind. It aims to address long-standing problems related to consciousness within the framework of modern theoretical physics in a comprehensible manner that elucidates the nature of the mind-body relationship. The reader also gains an overview of methods for constructing and testing quantum informational theories of consciousness.

The authors examine topics in modern physics and offer a unitary and original treatment of the fundamental problems of the dynamics of physical systems, as well as a description of the nuclear matter within a framework of general relativity. They show that some physical phenomena studied at two different resolution scales (e.g. microscale, cosmological scale), apparently with no connection between them, become compatible by means of the operational procedures, acting either as some "hidden" symmetries, or harmonic-type mappings. The book is addressed to the students, researchers and university/high school teachers working in the fields of mathematics, physics, and chemistry.

Quantum mechanics is one of the most successful theories in science, and is relevant to nearly all modern topics of scientific research. This textbook moves beyond the introductory and intermediate principles of quantum mechanics frequently covered in undergraduate and graduate courses, presenting in-depth coverage of many more exciting and advanced topics. The author provides a clearly structured text for advanced students, graduates and researchers looking to deepen their knowledge of theoretical quantum mechanics. The book opens with a brief introduction covering key concepts and mathematical tools, followed by a detailed description of the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) method. Two alternative formulations of quantum mechanics are then presented: Wigner's phase space formulation and Feynman's path integral formulation. The text concludes with a chapter examining metastable states and resonances. Step-by-step derivations, worked examples and physical applications are included throughout.

Topological Phases of Matter are an exceptionally dynamic field of research: several of the most exciting recent experimental discoveries and conceptual advances in modern physics have originated in this field. These have generated new, topological, notions of order, interactions and excitations. This text provides an accessible, unified and comprehensive introduction to the phenomena surrounding topological matter, with detailed expositions of the underlying theoretical tools and conceptual framework, alongside accounts of the central experimental breakthroughs. Among the systems covered are topological insulators, magnets, semimetals, and superconductors. The emergence of new particles with remarkable properties such as fractional charge and statistics is discussed alongside possible applications such as fault-tolerant topological quantum computing. Suitable as a textbook for graduate or advanced undergraduate students, or as a reference for more experienced researchers, the book assumes little prior background, providing self-contained introductions to topics as varied as phase transitions, superconductivity, and localisation.

This textbook provides a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the principles, concepts, and methods of quantum mechanics. It covers the basic building blocks of quantum mechanics theory and applications, illuminated throughout by physical insights and examples of quantum mechanics, such as the one-dimensional eigen-problem, the harmonic oscillator, the Aharonov-Bohm effect, Landau levels, the hydrogen atom, the Landau-Zener transition and the Berry phase. This self-contained textbook is suitable for junior and senior undergraduate students, in addition to advanced students who have studied general physics (including classical mechanics, electromagnetics, and atomic physics), calculus, and linear algebra. Key features: Presents an accessible and concise treatment of quantum mechanics Contains a wealth of case studies and examples to illustrate concepts Based off the author's established course and lecture notes

This monograph is the first to present the theory of global attractors of Hamiltonian partial differential equations. A particular focus is placed on the results obtained in the last three decades, with chapters on the global attraction to stationary states, to solitons, and to stationary orbits. The text includes many physically relevant examples and will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in both mathematics and physics. The proofs involve novel applications of methods of harmonic analysis, including Tauberian theorems, Titchmarsh's convolution theorem, and the theory of quasimeasures. As well as the underlying theory, the authors discuss the results of numerical simulations and formulate open problems to prompt further research.

This book consolidates the older and more recent concepts on weakly-interacting fermions where traditional many-body techniques are adequate. Targeting primarily the advanced undergraduates and graduates, the author has included plenty of examples and problems from contemporary topics of research.

Gets right to the point with step-by-step guidance on solving physics problems. Covers all topics in standard general physics courses in the same sequence. Keeps learning about physics fun and engaging through the story of dinosaurs being tested on their knowledge for a final challenge (deflecting an asteroid headed to Earth!). Enables the reader to quickly flip through and locate steps needed for a particular problem. Includes tons of easy to follow diagrams and worked solutions.

Throughout their college career, most engineering students have done problems and studies that are basically situated in the classical world. Some may have taken quantum mechanics as their chosen field of study. This book moves beyond the basics to highlight the full quantum mechanical nature of the transport of carriers through nanoelectronic structures. The book is unique in that addresses quantum transport only in the materials that are of interest to microelectronics-semiconductors, with their variable densities and effective masses. The author develops Green's functions starting from equilibrium Green's functions and going through modern time-dependent approaches to non-equilibrium Green's functions, introduces relativistic bands for graphene and topological insulators and discusses the quantum transport changes that these bands induce, and discusses applications such as weak localization and phase breaking processes, resonant tunneling diodes, single-electron tunneling, and entanglement. Furthermore, he also explains modern ensemble Monte Carlo approaches to simulation of various approaches to quantum transport and the hydrodynamic approaches to quantum transport. All in all, the book describes all approaches to quantum transport in semiconductors, thus becoming an essential textbook for advanced graduate students in electrical engineering or physics.

Carbon nanotubes and graphene have been the subject of intense scientific research since their relatively recent discoveries. This book introduces the reader to the science behind these rapidly developing fields, and covers both the fundamentals and latest advances. Uniquely, this book covers the topics in a pedagogical manner suitable for undergraduate students. The book also uses the simple systems of nanotubes and graphene as models to teach concepts such as molecular orbital theory, tight binding theory and the Laue treatment of diffraction. Suitable for undergraduate students with a working knowledge of basic quantum mechanics, and for postgraduate researchers commencing their studies into the field, this book will equip the reader to critically evaluate the physical properties and potential for applications of graphene and carbon nanotubes.

A concise, beginner-friendly introduction to quantum field theory Quantum field theory is a powerful framework that extends quantum mechanics in ways that are essential in many modern applications. While it is the fundamental formalism for the study of many areas of physics, quantum field theory requires a different way of thinking, and many newcomers to the subject struggle with the transition from quantum mechanics. A Prelude to Quantum Field Theory introduces the key concepts of quantum field theory in a brief and accessible manner while never sacrificing mathematical rigor. The result is an easy-to-use textbook that distills the most general properties of the theory without overwhelming beginning students with more advanced applications. Bridges quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, emphasizing analogies and differences Emphasizes a "quantum field theoretical mindset" while maintaining mathematical rigor Obtains quantum fields as the continuum limit of a quantized system of many particles Highlights the correspondence between wave function-fundamental in quantum mechanics-and the formalism of second quantization used in quantum field theory Provides a step-by-step derivation of Feynman rules for the perturbative study of interacting theories Introduces students to renormalization, path integrals techniques, and more Discusses more modern topics like effective field theories Ideal for both undergraduate and graduate students Proven in the classroom

This volume, edited by a well-known specialist in the field of theoretical chemistry, gathers together a selection of papers on theoretical chemistry within the themes of mathematical, computational, and quantum chemistry. The authors present a rich assembly of some of the most important current research in the field of quantum chemistry in modern times. In Quantum Chemistry at the Dawn of the 21st Century, the editors aim to replicate the tradition of the fruitful Girona Workshops and Seminars, held at the University of Girona, Italy, annually for many years, which offered important scientific gatherings focusing on quantum chemistry. This volume, like the workshops, showcases a large variety of quantum chemical contributions from different points of view from some of the leading scientists in the field today. This unique volume does not pretend to provide a complete overview of quantum chemistry, but it does provide a broad set of contributions by some of the leading scientists on the field, under the expert editorship of two leaders in the field.

Quantum Effects in Tribology is devoted to the study of quantum foundations of materials friction interaction and evolutionary formation of tribosystem's operating parameters. At the start of the book, large consideration is given to the analysis of the existing diversity of friction, wear, and lubrication models and their relationship with each other, as well as to the quantum nature of the measurement process and the wave function reduction caused by the act of measurement. Consideration of measurement as a process of defining the output parameters of tribosystem is carried out with the apparatus of second quantization and conceptions associated with non-local quantum effects. Such an approach makes it possible not only to take another look to the evolution of tribosystems but discover previously unknown regularities of friction. The book is intended for professionals working in the field of tribology, but will be also useful for graduate students specializing in the theory of friction and quantum physics.

'Quantum mechanics for real. This is the good stuff, the most mysterious aspects of how reality works, set out with crystalline clarity. The place to start' Sean Carroll, physicist, California Institute of Technology, author of The Particle at the End of the Universe This is the ultimate practical introduction to quantum mechanics. World-renowned physicist Leonard Susskind and data engineer Art Friedman give you the basic skills you need to tackle this famously difficult topic yourself. They provide clear, lively explanations of basic concepts, introduce the key fields of quantum mechanics and include step-by-step exercises. Making a complex subject 'as simple as possible, but no simpler', this is a practical toolkit for amateur scientists that you won't find anywhere else.

This volume will act as a guide through the various aspects of quantum mechanics. It not only covers the basics but also addresses new themes developed in the field of quantum mechanics in recent years. These include quantum mechanics in relation to electronics, quantum dots, spintronics, cryptography, and other more theoretical aspects, such as the path integral formulation and supersymmetric quantum mechanics. The volume presents a number of mathematical tools and physical consequences derived from quantum mechanics. The starting point of the volume is a very brief review of the phenomenology associated with the origins of quantum theory, as the branch of science was understood in the beginning of the 20th century, leading to an interpretation of the results at that time. Key features: * Provides understanding and demystification of the quantum theory * Presents applications to information theory and encryption * Introduces applications to medicine, in both treatment and diagnosis * Covers applications to modern communications systems * Looks at the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, its reality, and its perception * Describes the application to the basics of solid state devices

What is "topological" about topological quantum states? How many types of topological quantum phases are there? What is a zero-energy Majorana mode, how can it be realized in a solid state system, and how can it be used as a platform for topological quantum computation? What is quantum computation and what makes it different from classical computation? Addressing these and other related questions, Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter & Quantum Computation provides an introduction to and a synthesis of a fascinating and rapidly expanding research field emerging at the crossroads of condensed matter physics, mathematics, and computer science. Providing the big picture, this book is ideal for graduate students and researchers entering this field as it allows for the fruitful transfer of paradigms and ideas amongst different areas, and includes many specific examples to help the reader understand abstract and sometimes challenging concepts. It explores the topological quantum world beyond the well-known topological insulators and superconductors and emphasizes the deep connections with quantum computation. It addresses key principles behind the classification of topological quantum phases and relevant mathematical concepts and discusses models of interacting and noninteracting topological systems, such as the torric code and the p-wave superconductor. The book also covers the basic properties of anyons, and aspects concerning the realization of topological states in solid state structures and cold atom systems. Quantum computation is also presented using a broad perspective, which includes fundamental aspects of quantum mechanics, such as Bell's theorem, basic concepts in the theory of computation, such as computational models and computational complexity, examples of quantum algorithms, and elements of classical and quantum information theory.

Following the emergence of quantum computing, the subsequent quantum revolution will be that of interconnecting individual quantum computers at the global level. In the same way that classical computers only realised their full potential with the emergence of the internet, a fully-realised quantum internet is the next stage of evolution for quantum computation. This cutting-edge book examines in detail how the quantum internet would evolve in practise, focusing not only on the technology itself, but also the implications it will have economically and politically, with numerous non-technical sections throughout the text providing broader context to the discussion. The book begins with a description of classical networks before introducing the key concepts behind quantum networks, such as quantum internet protocols, quantum cryptography, and cloud quantum computing. Written in an engaging style and accessible to graduate students in physics, engineering, computer science and mathematics.