Introductory Quantum Mechanics

This book presents a basic introduction to quantum mechanics. Depending on the choice of topics, it can be used for a one-semester or two-semester course. An attempt has been made to anticipate the conceptual problems students encounter when they first study quantum mechanics. Wherever possible, examples are given to illustrate the underlying physics associated with the mathematical equations of quantum mechanics. To this end, connections are made with corresponding phenomena in classical mechanics and electromagnetism. The problems at the end of each chapter are intended to help students master the course material and to explore more advanced topics. Many calculations exploit the extraordinary capabilities of computer programs such as Mathematica, MatLab, and Maple. Students are urged to use these programs, just as they had been urged to use calculators in the past. The treatment of various topics is rather complete, in that most steps in derivations are included. Several of the chapters go beyond what is traditionally covered in an introductory course. The goal of the presentation is to provide the students with a solid background in quantum mechanics. 

Author Biography

Paul R. Berman is a Physics Professor at the University of Michigan. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the Optical Society of America. Among topics he is currently investigating are microscopic theories of atom-field interactions in dielectrics, spin squeezing, storing quantum information, light scattering, collective emission, and pedagogical problems in atom-field interactions.