Lectures on Quantum Theory: Mathematical and Structural Foundations [Hardcover]

C. J. Isham (Author), Chris J. Isham (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1860940005 | ISBN-13: 978-1860940002 | Publication Date: September 1995

Based on material taught to final-year students of theoretical physics, this is an introduction to the essentials of vector spaces and linear operators. It builds bridges between the concepts and mathematics of classical physics, and the mathematical framework employed in quantum mechanics. The axioms of nonrelativistic quantum theory are introduced, and shown to lead to a variety of new conceptual problems. Subjects discussed include state-vector reduction, the problem of measurement, quantum entanglement, the Kochen-Specker theorem, and the Bell inequalities. The book includes 25 problems with worked solutions.

Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American

"The proper role of mathematics is to make things easy. When something can be expressed in the precise language of mathematics, results can be obtained by the application of given rules. Calculations are so simple that even computers can do them. Chris Isham's lectures on the mathematical and structural foundations of quantum theory, reproduced in this book, provide an excellent illustration of this truth ... a welcome addition to the modern literature on quantum theory ... It is good to have a book that gives such an excellent description of the mathematical structure of quantum theory ..." --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From The New Yorker

"Chris Isham's book is a welcome addition to the existing literature. If you already have some familiarity with quantum theory and you want one book - get this one!" --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1860940005
• ISBN-13: 978-1860940002
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,987,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating, July 9, 2002

By 

Aquinatis (Paris) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lectures on Quantum Theory: Mathematical (Paperback)

In this book Prof. Isham exposes the minimum algebra required for quantum physics, from vector spaces to eigenvalues, Hilbert spaces, density matrices, and equations specific to quantum theory (e. g. entanglement, EPR, Bell, etc.) He does not give unnecessary details but many insights that make the concepts used in algebra more tangible, more understandable, explaining the idea being the various mathematical theories he deals with. of . I read this book for the quantum aspect, but it may have profited me more for the math, for the deeper understanding it gave me of those mathematical concepts. In addition, Isham offers many sound philosophical (yet short, clear and to the point) discussions on the concepts involved, on probabilities, truth, measurement problem, many worlds, non-locality, etc. The book is a masterful treatment combining algebra, physics and philosophy. Add to this some exercises with answers, and here is a book that you don't want to miss, if you already have some basic knowledge of mathematics and quantum physics.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deep and balanced, May 22, 2001

By 

Georg - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lectures on Quantum Theory: Mathematical (Paperback)

If you are an undergraduate physicist or have an equivalent mathematical background this is the best book to understand the mathematical structure and the conceprual basis of quantum theory. The presentation is at a level accessible to undergraduates, however there are many side remarks and comments that slowly introduce you to understanding different foundational issues (that often cannot be accessed without a larger mathematical background). It is the deepest modern introductory textbook in quantum mechanics that I have read.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good, April 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Lectures on Quantum Theory: Mathematical (Paperback)

This book is for all those who want to understand more about quantum mechanics. It explains in a very intelligent way the essential differences between a classical theory and a quantum mechanical one. Highly recommended. You will not learn from this book on how to solve e.g. scattering problems, this book focuses on understanding the theory rather than applying it. I enjoyed it very much.