This book highlights the power and elegance of algebraic methods of solving problems in quantum mechanics. It shows that symmetries not only provide elegant solutions to problems that can be solved exactly, but also substantially simplify problems that must be solved approximately.
Furthermore, the book provides an elementary exposition of quantum electrodynamics and its application to low-energy physics, along with a thorough analysis of the role of relativistic, magnetic, and quantum electrodynamic effects in atomic spectroscopy. Included are essential derivations made clear through detailed, transparent calculations.
The book's commitment to deriving advanced results with elementary techniques, as well as its inclusion of exercises will enamor it to advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
Autorentext
Jaroslav Zamastil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Physics and Optics at Charles University in Prague. He has published a number of articles in the fields of mathematical and atomic physics.
Inhalt
Preface.- Acknowledgments.- Notation, Convention, Units, and Experimental Data.- List of Exercises.-1 Foundations of Quantum Mechanics.- 2 Approximate Methods in Quantum Mechanics.- 3 Hydrogen Atom Structure and its Spectral Lines.- 4 Treasures Hidden in Commutators.- 5 The Helium Atom.- 6 Dynamics: The Non-Relativistic Theory.- 7 Dynamics: The Relativistic Theory.- Afterword.- Appendix.- Index.