Quantum Physics

Quantum physics allows us to understand the nature of the physical phenomena which govern the behavior of solids, semi-conductors, lasers, atoms, nuclei, subnuclear particles and light. In Quantum Physics, Le Bellac provides a thoroughly modern approach to this fundamental theory. Throughout the book, Le Bellac teaches the fundamentals of quantum physics using an original approach which relies primarily on an algebraic treatment and on the systematic use of symmetry principles. In addition to the standard topics such as one-dimensional potentials, angular momentum and scattering theory, the reader is introduced to more recent developments at an early stage. These include a detailed account of entangled states and their applications, the optical Bloch equations, the theory of laser cooling and of magneto-optical traps, vacuum Rabi oscillations, and an introduction to open quantum systems. This is a textbook for a modern course on quantum physics, written for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Review of the French edition: 'This new text comes closest to the contemporary heart of the discipline and I cannot recommend it strongly enough to everyone interested in quantum mechanics, and especially students and teachers ... this text is the best one available for a course designed to expose students to the role played by quantum mechanics in today's world.' Edouard Brezin, Bulletin de la Societe Francaise de Physique Review of the French edition: 'I greatly admire the effort made by the author to give the reader such a modern and compelling view of quantum physics ... I am sure that this text will lead to a better comprehension of quantum physics and will stimulate greater interest in this absolutely central discipline. I would like to thank Michel Le Bellac for this important contribution which will certainly give physics a more exciting image.' Claude Cohen-Tannoudji Review of the French edition: 'Throughout the book, Le Bellac teaches the fundamentals of quantum physics using an original approach that relies primarily on an algebraic treatment, and on the systematic use of symmetry principles. This is a textbook for a modern course on quantum physics, written for advanced undergraduate and graduate scientists.' L'enseignement mathematique 'This book is well written and the author speaks with authority on the subject.' Contemporary Physics1. Introduction; 2. Mathematics of quantum mechanics I: finite dimension; 3. Polarization: photons and spin 1/2 particles; 4. Postulates of quantum mechanics; 5. Systems with a finite number of levels; 6. Entangled states; 7. Mathematics of quantum mechanics II: infinite dimension; 8. Symmetries in quantum physics; 9. Wave mechanics; 10. Angular momentum; 11. The harmonic oscillator; 12. Elementary scattering theory; 13. Identical particles; 14. Atomic physics; 15. Open quantum systems; Appendices; References.