Lectures on Quantum Mechanics

Beautifully illustrated and engagingly written, Twelve Lectures in Quantum Mechanics presents theoretical physics with a breathtaking array of examples and anecdotes. Basdevant's style is clear and stimulating, in the manner of a brisk lecture that can be followed with ease and enjoyment. Here is a sample of the book's style, from the opening of Chapter 1: "If one were to ask a passer-by to quote a great formula of physics, chances are that the answer would be 'E = mc2'...There is no way around it: all physics is quantum, from elementary particles, to stellar physics and the Big Bang, not to mention semiconductors and solar cells."

Author Biography: A graduate of the Ecole Normale Superieure, Jean-Louis Basdevant is Professor and Chair of the Department of Physics at the Ecole Polytechnique, and Director of Research for the CNRS. Specializing in the theoretical physics of elementary particles, quantum field theory and astrophysics, Prof. Basdevant works in the Leprince-Ringuet Laboratory at the Ecole Polytechnique.

The appeal of physics.- A quantum phenomenon.- Wave function, Schrodinger equation.- Physical quantities.- Energy quantization.- Principles of quantum mechanics.- Two-state systems.- Algebra of observables.- Approximation methods.- Angular momentum.- The Hydrogen Atom.- Spin 1/2.- Addition of angular momenta.- Identical particles, the Pauli Principle.- Lorentz force in quantum mechanics.- The evolution of systems.- Entangled states. The way of paradoxes.- Solutions to the exercises.