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Books > Science & Mathematics > Physics > Quantum physics (quantum mechanics)
This book explicates the optical controls of antiferromagnetic
spins by intense terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves. The book
comprises two key components: (1) the experimental demonstration of
the enhancement of a THz magnetic field using a split-ring
resonator (SRR) and (2) the control of the direction of
magnetization by using the enhanced THz magnetic field to break the
symmetry of optically-induced phase transition. These make up the
first step leading to future spintronics devices. In the beginning
of the book, the author reviews the basics of the ultrafast laser
and nonlinear optical techniques as well as the previously achieved
experiments to control spin dynamics by THz magnetic fields. In
this context, a new experimental protocol is described, in which
electron spins in a ferromagnetic material are redirected at the
unprecedented level in cooperation with the enhanced THz magnetic
field. Subsequently, the author demonstrates that the THz magnetic
field is significantly amplified as a nearfield around the SRR
structured metamaterial, which is implemented by measuring spin
precession in a solid. At the end, the author presents the key
experiment in which the amplified THz magnetic nearfield is applied
to the weak ferromagnet ErFeO3 along with the femtosecond
near-infrared pulse, demonstrating the successful control of
symmetry breaking of the spin system due to coherent control of the
optically-induced spin reorientation phase transition pathways. The
comprehensive introductory review in this book allows readers to
overview state-of-the-art terahertz spectroscopic techniques. In
addition, the skillful description of the experiments is highly
informative for readers in ultrafast magnonics, ultrafast optics,
terahertz technology and plasmonic science.
Domain theory, a subject that arose as a response to natural
concerns in the semantics of computation, studies ordered sets
which possess an unusual amount of mathematical structure. This
book explores its connection with quantum information science and
the concept that relates them: disorder. This is not a literary
work. It can be argued that its subject, domain theory and quantum
information science, does not even really exist, which makes the
scope of this alleged 'work' irrelevant. BUT, it does have a
purpose and to some extent, it can also be said to have a method. I
leave the determination of both of those largely to you, the
reader. Except to say, I am hoping to convince the uninitiated to
take a look. A look at what? Twenty years ago, I failed to
satisfactorily prove a claim that I still believe: that there is
substantial domain theoretic structure in quantum mechanics and
that we can learn a lot from it. One day it will be proven to the
point that people will be comfortable dismissing it as a
'well-known' idea that many (possibly including themselves) had
long suspected but simply never bothered to write down. They may
even call it "obvious!" I will not bore you with a brief history
lesson on why it is not obvious, except to say that we have never
been interested in the difficulty of proving the claim only in
establishing its validity. This book then documents various
attempts on my part to do just that.
A prismatic look at the meeting of Marie Curie and Albert Einstein and the impact these two pillars of science had on the world of physics, which was in turmoil.
In 1911, some of the greatest minds in science convened at the First Solvay Conference in Physics. Almost half of the attendees had won or would go on to win the Nobel Prize. Over the course of those few days, these minds began to realise that classical physics was about to give way to quantum theory, a seismic shift in our history and how we understand not just our world, but the universe.
At the centre of this meeting were Marie Curie and a young Albert Einstein. In the years preceding, Curie had faced the death of her husband. She was on the cusp of being awarded her second Nobel Prize, but scandal erupted all around her when the French press revealed that she was having an affair with a fellow scientist, Paul Langevin.
The subject of vicious misogynist and xenophobic attacks in the French press, Curie found herself in a storm that threatened her scientific legacy.
Albert Einstein proved a supporter in her travails. He was young and already showing flourishes of his enormous genius. Curie had been responsible for one of the greatest discoveries in modern science. Utilising never before seen correspondence and notes, Jeffrey Orens reveals the human side of these brilliant scientists, one who pushed boundaries and demanded equality in a man’s world, no matter the cost, and the other, who was destined to become synonymous with genius.
This book explains the Lorentz mathematical group in a language
familiar to physicists. While the three-dimensional rotation group
is one of the standard mathematical tools in physics, the Lorentz
group of the four-dimensional Minkowski space is still very strange
to most present-day physicists. It plays an essential role in
understanding particles moving at close to light speed and is
becoming the essential language for quantum optics, classical
optics, and information science. The book is based on papers and
books published by the authors on the representations of the
Lorentz group based on harmonic oscillators and their applications
to high-energy physics and to Wigner functions applicable to
quantum optics. It also covers the two-by-two representations of
the Lorentz group applicable to ray optics, including cavity,
multilayer and lens optics, as well as representations of the
Lorentz group applicable to Stokes parameters and the Poincare
sphere on polarization optics.
Volume 3 of this three-part series presents more advanced topics
and applications of relativistic quantum field theory. The
application of quantum chromodynamics to high-energy particle
scattering is discussed with concrete examples for how to compute
QCD scattering cross sections. Experimental evidence for the
existence of quarks and gluons is then presented both within the
context of the naive quark model and beyond. Dr Strickland then
reviews our current understanding of the weak interaction, the
unified electroweak theory, and the Brout-Higgs-Englert mechanism
for the generation of gauge boson masses. The last two chapters
contain a self-contained introduction to finite temperature quantum
field theory with concrete examples focusing on the
high-temperature thermodynamics of scalar field theories, QED, and
QCD.
This book provides an itinerary to quantum mechanics taking into
account the basic mathematics to formulate it. Specifically, it
features the main experiments and postulates of quantum mechanics
pointing out their mathematical prominent aspects showing how
physical concepts and mathematical tools are deeply intertwined.
The material covers topics such as analytic mechanics in Newtonian,
Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian formulations, theory of light as
formulated in special relativity, and then why quantum mechanics is
necessary to explain experiments like the double-split, atomic
spectra, and photoelectric effect. The Schroedinger equation and
its solutions are developed in detail. It is pointed out that,
starting from the concept of the harmonic oscillator, it is
possible to develop advanced quantum mechanics. Furthermore, the
mathematics behind the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is
constructed towards advanced quantum mechanical principles.
Relativistic quantum mechanics is finally considered.The book is
devoted to undergraduate students from University courses of
Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Engineering. It consists of 50
self-contained lectures, and any statement and theorem are
demonstrated in detail. It is the companion book of "A Mathematical
Journey to Relativity", by the same Authors, published by Springer
in 2020.
The first version of quantum theory, developed in the mid 1920's,
is what is called nonrelativistic quantum theory; it is based on a
form of relativity which, in a previous volume, was called Newton
relativity. But quickly after this first development, it was
realized that, in order to account for high energy phenomena such
as particle creation, it was necessary to develop a quantum theory
based on Einstein relativity. This in turn led to the development
of relativistic quantum field theory, which is an intrinsically
many-body theory. But this is not the only possibility for a
relativistic quantum theory. In this book we take the point of view
of a particle theory, based on the irreducible representations of
the Poincare group, the group that expresses the symmetry of
Einstein relativity. There are several ways of formulating such a
theory; we develop what is called relativistic point form quantum
mechanics, which, unlike quantum field theory, deals with a fixed
number of particles in a relativistically invariant way. A central
issue in any relativistic quantum theory is how to introduce
interactions without spoiling relativistic invariance. We show that
interactions can be incorporated in a mass operator, in such a way
that relativistic invariance is maintained. Surprisingly for a
relativistic theory, such a construction allows for instantaneous
interactions; in addition, dynamical particle exchange and particle
production can be included in a multichannel formulation of the
mass operator. For systems of more than two particles, however,
straightforward application of such a construction leads to the
undesirable property that clusters of widely separated particles
continue to interact with one another, even if the interactions
between the individual particles are of short range. A significant
part of this volume deals with the solution of this problem. Since
relativistic quantum mechanics is not as well-known as relativistic
quantum field theory, a chapter is devoted to applications of point
form quantum mechanics to nuclear physics; in particular we show
how constituent quark models can be used to derive electromagnetic
and other properties of hadrons.
Somewhere near the heart of existence, shimmers the ethereal beauty
of the mystery of Time. Though seemingly familiar to us all, time
harbours secrets that penetrate the very deepest levels of reality,
and though we feel certain in our conviction that we're swept forth
upon the crest of its never-ending flow, with Einstein's discovery
of relativity came what is perhaps the most stunning realisation in
the entire history of scientific thought - the wondrously
breathtaking revelation that in reality, there's actually no such
thing as the passage of time... How can this extraordinary truth be
reconciled with the reality we so surely suppose to experience?
What does it mean for the very human concerns of life and death,
free will, identity, and self? What should it mean for our
philosophy? And how should it inform our world view? The search for
answers leads through the fantastical realm of quantum physics, and
the strange parallel worlds it describes, as we discover that the
answers which such questions provoke, are perhaps even more
profound than the questions themselves. Buried deep within the
riddle of time, lies the staggering beauty of the world. As we peel
back the layers to try and sneak a glimpse into eternity, we find a
light shining not only upon the nature of reality, but on the
nature of ourselves...
This book is the first comprehensive book about reservoir computing
(RC). RC is a powerful and broadly applicable computational
framework based on recurrent neural networks. Its advantages lie in
small training data set requirements, fast training, inherent
memory and high flexibility for various hardware implementations.
It originated from computational neuroscience and machine learning
but has, in recent years, spread dramatically, and has been
introduced into a wide variety of fields, including complex systems
science, physics, material science, biological science, quantum
machine learning, optical communication systems, and robotics.
Reviewing the current state of the art and providing a concise
guide to the field, this book introduces readers to its basic
concepts, theory, techniques, physical implementations and
applications. The book is sub-structured into two major parts:
theory and physical implementations. Both parts consist of a
compilation of chapters, authored by leading experts in their
respective fields. The first part is devoted to theoretical
developments of RC, extending the framework from the conventional
recurrent neural network context to a more general dynamical
systems context. With this broadened perspective, RC is not
restricted to the area of machine learning but is being connected
to a much wider class of systems. The second part of the book
focuses on the utilization of physical dynamical systems as
reservoirs, a framework referred to as physical reservoir
computing. A variety of physical systems and substrates have
already been suggested and used for the implementation of reservoir
computing. Among these physical systems which cover a wide range of
spatial and temporal scales, are mechanical and optical systems,
nanomaterials, spintronics, and quantum many body systems. This
book offers a valuable resource for researchers (Ph.D. students and
experts alike) and practitioners working in the field of machine
learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, neuromorphic
computing, complex systems, and physics.
Our understanding of subatomic particles developed over many years,
although a clear picture of the different particles, their
interactions and their inter-relationships only emerged in the
latter part of the twentieth century. The first ""subatomic
particles"" to be investigated were those which exhibit readily
observable macroscopic behavior, specifically these are the photon,
which we observe as light and the electron, which is manifested as
electricity. The true nature of these particles, however, only
became clear within the last century or so. The development of the
Standard Model provided clarification of the way in which various
particles, specifically the hadrons, relate to one another and the
way in which their properties are determined by their structure.
The final piece, perhaps, of the final model, that is the means by
which some particles acquire mass, has just recently been clarified
with the observation of the Higgs boson. Since the 1970s it has
been known that the measured solar neutrino flux was inconsistent
with the flux predicted by solar models. The existence of neutrinos
with mass would allow for neutrino flavor oscillations and would
provide an explanation for this discrepancy. Only in the past few
years, has there been clear experimental evidence that neutrinos
have mass. The description of particle structure on the basis of
the Standard Model, along with recent discoveries concerning
neutrino properties, provides us with a comprehensive picture of
the properties of subatomic particles. Part I of the present book
provides an overview of the Standard Model of particle physics
including an overview of the discovery and properties of the Higgs
boson. Part II of the book summarizes the important investigations
into the physics of neutrinos and provides an overview of the
interpretation of these studies.
This book provides an introduction to the emerging field of quantum
thermodynamics, with particular focus on its relation to quantum
information and its implications for quantum computers and next
generation quantum technologies. The text, aimed at graduate level
physics students with a working knowledge of quantum mechanics and
statistical physics, provides a brief overview of the development
of classical thermodynamics and its quantum formulation in Chapter
1. Chapter 2 then explores typical thermodynamic settings, such as
cycles and work extraction protocols, when the working material is
genuinely quantum. Finally, Chapter 3 explores the thermodynamics
of quantum information processing and introduces the reader to some
more state of-the-art topics in this exciting and rapidly
developing research field.
By incorporating extensive student input and innovative teaching
methodologies, this book aims to make the process of learning
quantum field theory easier, and thus more rapid, profound, and
efficient, for both students and instructors. Comprehensive
explanations are favored over conciseness, every step in
derivations is included, and 'big picture' overviews are provided
throughout.
Typical student responses indicate how well the text achieves its
aim.
" This] book ... makes quantum field theory much easier to
understand "
"Thanks for ... making quantum field theory clearer "
"Awesome. .. approach and presentation .. just awesome
"Best presentation of QFT I have ever seen .... marvelous .
" transforms learning QFT from being a hazardous endeavor to
actually being an enjoyable thing to do."
"Great job .. extremely clear ... guided me through many
ambiguities .. I wasn't able to work out with any other book."
.."truly special... extraordinary text. For me, ... a big relief
.. finding this] text."
The book focuses on the canonical quantization approach, but also
provides an introductory chapter on path integrals. It covers
fundamental principles of quantum field theory, then develops
quantum electrodynamics in depth. The second edition incorporates
suggestions from readers to make certain sections even clearer and
easier to understand.
See the first few chapters at www.quantumfieldtheory.info.
Randomness is an active element relevant to all scientific
activities. The book explores the way in which randomness suffuses
the human experience, starting with everyday chance events,
followed by developments into modern probability theory,
statistical mechanics, scientific data analysis, quantum mechanics,
and quantum gravity. An accessible introduction to these theories
is provided as a basis for going into deeper topics.Fowler unveils
the influence of randomness in the two pillars of science,
measurement and theory. Some emphasis is placed on the need and
methods for optimal characterization of uncertainty. An example of
the cost of neglecting this is the St. Petersburg Paradox, a
theoretical game of chance with an infinite expected payoff value.
The role of randomness in quantum mechanics reveals another
particularly interesting finding: that in order for the physical
universe to function as it does and permit conscious beings within
it to enjoy sanity, irreducible randomness is necessary at the
quantum level.The book employs a certain level of mathematics to
describe physical reality in a more precise way that avoids the
tendency of nonmathematical descriptions to be occasionally
misleading. Thus, it is most readily digested by young students who
have taken at least a class in introductory calculus, or
professional scientists and engineers curious about the book's
topics as a result of hearing about them in popular media. Readers
not inclined to savor equations should be able to skip certain
technical sections without losing the general flow of ideas. Still,
it is hoped that even readers who usually avoid equations will give
those within these pages a chance, as they may be surprised at how
potentially foreboding concepts fall into line when one makes a
legitimate attempt to follow a succession of mathematical
implications.
This textbook is a unique and ambitious primer of nuclear physics,
which introduces recent theoretical and experimental progresses
starting from basics in fundamental quantum mechanics. The
highlight is to offer an overview of nuclear structure phenomena
relevant to recent key findings such as unstable halo nuclei,
superheavy elements, neutron stars, nucleosynthesis, the standard
model, lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD), and chiral effective
theory. An additional attraction is that general properties of
nuclei are comprehensively explained from both the theoretical and
experimental viewpoints. The book begins with the conceptual and
mathematical basics of quantum mechanics, and goes into the main
point of nuclear physics - nuclear structure, radioactive ion beam
physics, and nuclear reactions. The last chapters devote
interdisciplinary topics in association with astrophysics and
particle physics. A number of illustrations and exercises with
complete solutions are given. Each chapter is comprehensively
written starting from fundamentals to gradually reach modern
aspects of nuclear physics with the objective to provide an
effective description of the cutting edge in the field.
This book pedagogically describes recent developments in gauge
theory, in particular four-dimensional N = 2 supersymmetric gauge
theory, in relation to various fields in mathematics, including
algebraic geometry, geometric representation theory, vertex
operator algebras. The key concept is the instanton, which is a
solution to the anti-self-dual Yang-Mills equation in four
dimensions. In the first part of the book, starting with the
systematic description of the instanton, how to integrate out the
instanton moduli space is explained together with the equivariant
localization formula. It is then illustrated that this formalism is
generalized to various situations, including quiver and fractional
quiver gauge theory, supergroup gauge theory. The second part of
the book is devoted to the algebraic geometric description of
supersymmetric gauge theory, known as the Seiberg-Witten theory,
together with string/M-theory point of view. Based on its relation
to integrable systems, how to quantize such a geometric structure
via the -deformation of gauge theory is addressed. The third part
of the book focuses on the quantum algebraic structure of
supersymmetric gauge theory. After introducing the free field
realization of gauge theory, the underlying infinite dimensional
algebraic structure is discussed with emphasis on the connection
with representation theory of quiver, which leads to the notion of
quiver W-algebra. It is then clarified that such a gauge theory
construction of the algebra naturally gives rise to further
affinization and elliptic deformation of W-algebra.
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