Quantum Mechanics. A Concise Introduction

Description

Foreword Translator’s Preface Preface Acknowledgements Contents 1 What Is Quantum? 2 A Brief History of Quantum Mechanics 2.1 The Birth of Quantum 2.2 The Difficult Start 2.3 Hydrogen Atom 2.4 The Crisis 2.5 Identical Particles 2.6 It's Matrix 2.7 Particles Are Waves and Waves Are Particles 2.8 Retrospect 3 Classical Mechanics and the Old Quantum Theory 3.1 Free Fall 3.2 Phase Space 3.3 Calculus for Velocity and Acceleration 3.4 Harmonic Oscillator 3.5 The Old Quantum Theory 4 Complex Number and Linear Algebra 4.1 Complex Number 4.2 Linear Algebra 4.2.1 Linear Space 4.2.2 Hilbert Space 4.2.3 Matrix 4.2.4 Eigenstates and Eigenvalues 4.2.5 Direct Product 5 Into the Quantum World 5.1 The Stern-Gerlach Experiment 5.2 Spin 5.3 Quantum State and Its Statistical Interpretation 5.4 Observables and Operators 5.5 Spin Along an Arbitrary Direction 5.6 Theoretical Framework of Quantum Mechanics 6 Quantum Dynamics 6.1 Schrödinger Equation 6.2 Wave Function 6.3 Hamiltonian Operator and Unitary Evolution 6.4 Quantum Energy Levels and Eigenstates 6.5 Superposition Principle of Quantum States and No-cloning Theorem 6.6 Double-Slit Interference 7 Quantum Entanglement and Bell's Inequality 7.1 System of Two Spins 7.2 Quantum Entanglement 7.2.1 Bell's Inequality 7.2.2 Loss of Individuality 8 Quantum Measurement 8.1 The Uncertainty Relation 8.2 Collapse of a Wave Function 8.3 Many-Worlds Theory and Schrödinger's Cat 8.4 Flaws in Feynman's Argument 9 Quantum Computation 9.1 Classical Computer 9.1.1 Basic Framework 9.1.2 The Unbearable Quantum 9.2 Quantum Computer 9.3 Reversible Classical Computers 9.4 How Powerful Is a Quantum Computer 9.5 Technical Difficulties of Building a Quantum Computer 10 Quantum Communication 10.1 Polarization of Photons 10.2 Quantum Teleportation 10.3 Classic Encryption 10.4 Quantum Key Distribution 10.5 Future Quantum Technologies Appendix Further Reading Index