Interpreting Quantum Mechanics
Interpreting Quantum Mechanics
£49.99
GBPThis novel text directly addresses common claims and misconceptions around quantum mechanics and presents a fresh and modern understanding of this fundamental and essential physical theory. It begins with a non-mathematical introduction to some of the more controversial topics in the foundations of quantum mechanics. For those more familiar with the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics, the text moves on to a general introduction to quantum field theory, followed by a detailed discussion of cutting-edge topics in this area such as decoherence and spontaneous coherence. Several important philosophical problems in quantum mechanics are considered, and their interpretations are compared, notably the Copenhagen and many-worlds interpretations. The inclusion of frequent real-world examples, such as superconductors and superfluids, ensures the book remains grounded in modern research. This book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in both physics and the philosophy of science interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics.
- The first part of the book is accessible to general readers without need for a detailed understanding of the mathematics
- Includes frequent real-world examples, such as superconductors and superfluids to ensure the book remains grounded in modern research
- Various interpretations of quantum mechanics are compared and contrasted, including the Copenhagen interpretation, the many-worlds interpretation, Bohmian pilot waves, and spontaneous collapse
Reviews & endorsements
'David Snoke's new book provides an interpretation of quantum mechanics based on common sense and aimed towards an experimental physicist. A number of tricky theoretical concepts are explained in a simple and comprehensible way, which could only have been achieved through a profound and critical study. The book contains a good amount of the author's highly original thoughts, based on his own research experience.' Alexey Kavokin, Westlake University
Product details
May 2024Hardback
9781009261555
342 pages
262 × 185 × 23 mm
0.81kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Part I. A Non-Mathematical Exposition of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory:
- 1. It's all fields and waves
- 2. How fields generate particles
- 3. Jumpy detectors
- 4. Nonlocality
- 5. Alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics
- 6. Decoherence and collapse
- 7. Quantum mechanics and our view of reality
- 8. Quantum mechanics and technology
- Epilogue
- Appendix A. Summary of quantum interpretations
- Part II. Basic Results of Quantum Mechanics:
- 9. Schr¨odinger equation calculations
- 10. Comparing classical and quantum systems
- Part III. A short course in quantum field theory:
- 11. Preliminary mathematics
- 12. Boson quantization
- 13. Fermion quantization
- 14. Transition rules
- 15. Feynman diagrams
- Part IV. Mathematical Considerations of Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics:
- 16. Mathematical considerations of quantum interpretations
- 17. Entanglement in a classical system
- Part V. Decoherence, Spontaneous Coherence, and Spontaneous Collapse:
- 18. Irreversibility in unitary quantum field theory
- 19. Decoherence in quantum field theory
- 20. Spontaneous coherence: lasers, superfluids, and superconductors
- Index.
