Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers

by David A. B. Miller

Overview

If you need a book that relates the core principles of quantum mechanics to modern applications in engineering, physics, and nanotechnology, this is it. Students will appreciate the book's applied emphasis, which illustrates theoretical concepts with examples of nanostructured materials, optics, and semiconductor devices. The many worked examples and more than 160 homework problems help students to problem solve and to practise applications of theory. Without assuming a prior knowledge of high-level physics or classical mechanics, the text introduces Schrödinger's equation, operators, and approximation methods. Systems, including the hydrogen atom and crystalline materials, are analyzed in detail. More advanced subjects, such as density matrices, quantum optics, and quantum information, are also covered. Practical applications and algorithms for the computational analysis of simple structures make this an ideal introduction to quantum mechanics for students of engineering, physics, nanotechnology, and other disciplines. Additional resources available from www.cambridge.org/9780521897839.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107486898
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/21/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	39 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

David A. B. Miller received the B.Sc. degree from St Andrews University, and, in 1979, the Ph.D. degree from Heriot-Watt University, both in Physics. He was with Bell Laboratories from 1981 to 1996, as a department head from 1987, latterly of the Advanced Photonics Research Department. He is currently the W. M. Keck Professor of Electrical Engineering, the Director of the Solid State and Photonics Laboratory, and a Co-Director of the Stanford Photonics Research Center at Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. His research interests include physics and devices in nanophotonics, nanometallics, and quantum-well optoelectronics, and fundamentals and applications of optics in information sensing, switching, and processing. He has published more than 200 scientific papers, holds 62 patents, is a Fellow of OSA, IEEE, APS, and the Royal Societies of Edinburgh and London, holds honorary degrees from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Heriot-Watt University, and has received numerous awards.

Table of Contents

How to use this book; 1. Introduction; 2. Waves and quantum mechanics – Schrödinger's equation; 3. The time-dependent Schrödinger equation; 4. Functions and operators; 5. Operators and quantum mechanics; 6. Approximation methods in quantum mechanics; 7. Time-dependent perturbation theory; 8. Quantum mechanics in crystalline materials; 9. Angular momentum; 10. The hydrogen atom; 11. Methods for one-dimensional problems; 12. Spin; 13. Identical particles; 14. The density matrix; 15. Harmonic oscillators and photons; 16. Fermion operators; 17. Interaction of different kinds of particles; 18. Quantum information; 19. Interpretation of quantum mechanics; Appendices: A. Background mathematics; B. Background physics; C. Vector calculus; D. Maxwell's equations and electromagnetism; E. Perturbing Hamiltonian for optical absorption; F. Early history of quantum mechanics; G. Some useful mathematical formulae; H. Greek alphabet; I. Fundamental constants; Bibliography; Memorization list.

Editorial Reviews

"This is an excellent introductory-level textbook on quantum mechanics for physicists and engineers. It is a timely contribution with a modern perspective on not only the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics, but also their applications to nanotechnology as well as quantum information. The author is a leading expert in quantum devices and he writes the text with remarkable clarity and authority. It is highly recommended as a textbook for courses on quantum mechanics in undergraduate curricula in science and engineering. "
Shun Lien Chuang, Robert MacClinchie Distinguished Professor, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

"I think this is an excellent book. It will become my standard reference for text for quantum mechanics and I will expect to see it on the shelves of my PhD students as well as undergraduate students. If students want to find one book that that will serve as both an introductory and future reference text on quantum mechanics, condensed matter and quantum optics they should buy this one."
Gareth Parry, Imperial College, London

"Miller teaches electrical engineering and applied physics at Stanford, so he is aware of the pitfalls in learning quantum mechanics. This text is a lucid introduction to the subject, even for those who haven't studied linear algebra. He even gives the Greek alphabet in an appendix so the formulae can be read out loud without embarrassment. The book is designed for a two-term course. It begins with Schroedinger's equation and its implications. He continues with approximation methods, perturbation theory, quanta in crystalline materials, various matrices, harmonic oscillators and photons, and fermions. Each chapter closes with a review of terms used. Miller ends with possible used for quantum mechanics in computing, cryptography and even teleportation, although he warns that the last does not mean stepping into the transporter beam any time soon."
Book News, Inc.

"... a well-written book on an advanced subject."
N. Sadanand, Central Connecticut State University for Choice Magazine

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