Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods (Fundamental Theories of Physics) [Paperback]

Asher Peres (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995 | ISBN-10: 0792336321 | ISBN-13: 978-0792336327 | Edition: 1

This book will be useful to anyone who wants to understand the use of quantum theory for the description of physical processes. It is a graduate level text, ideal for independent study, and includes numerous figures, exercises, bibliographical references, and even some computer programs. The first chapters introduce formal tools: the mathematics are precise, but not excessively abstract. The physical interpretation too is rigorous. It makes no use of the uncertainty principle of other ill-defined notions. The central part of the book is devoted to Bell's theorem and to the Kochen-Specker theorem. It is here that quantum phenomena depart most radically from classical physics. There has recently been considerable progress on these issues, and the latest developments have been included. The final chapters discuss further topics of current research: spacetime symmetries, quantum thermodynamics and information theory, semiclassical methods, irreversibility, quantum chaos, and especially the measuring process. In particular, it is shown how modern techniques allow the extraction of more information from a physical system than traditional measurement methods. For physicists, mathematicians and philosophers of science with an interest in the applications and foundations of quantum theory. The volume is suitable as a supplementary graduate textbook.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`...I can recommend the book with unqualified enthusiasm. The prose is highly readable and often charming. The mathematical style is unpretentious and down-to-earth, yet often elegant. The point of view, while aggressively orthodox, is also remarkably fresh and up-to-date, and often strikingly original in the details. Peres's book is a treasure trove of novel perspectives on quantum mechanics and is in many ways the best book on physics that I have seen in a long time.' Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, 28:1 (1997) `The general theory of Quantum Mechanics is often hidden behind the applications in the more famous books like Sakurai, Gasiorowitz etc. As a student of QM I never understood what all the fuzz was about until I read Peres' wonderful book. By starting from experimental facts he shows in a clear way which concepts are necessary for QM and what the theory actually implies on the real world. It is by far the best introduction to QM and the best self-study book. Most of the other books I've looked at talk too much about certain applications to special fields of physics and fails to give any general understanding of the subject. Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods should be the given choice for any introductory course in QM, not because it is easy or simple but just because there are no better books!' Albinth, Stockholm, Sweden `This must be about the tenth introductory book on quantum mechanics I've read. It is, quite simply, the best of the lot of them (Merzbacher, Messiah, Bohm, Schwabl,...). I would especially recommend this book to philosophers who are looking to get into the philosophy of quantum mechanics, since it deals with conceptual aspects as well as standard material (there's even some stuff on quantum computation in here!). What you get here is the Hilbert space formalism which is essential for philosophers of physics and advanced researchers in physics. I would even recommend this book to 1st year undergraduates - it's certainly accessible enough. It is precisely this accessibility that is the best feature of this book. Peres is clearly an excellent teacher. Also, if your looking for a self-study book then this is much better than any of the other standard books, it is a much more intuitive and fresh approach.' Dean Rickles, Leeds, UK

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792336321
• ISBN-13: 978-0792336327
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,080,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Innovative View of Quantum Theory, September 20, 2008

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Seiya Abiko (Nishi-Tokyo-City, Tokyo Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods (Fundamental Theories of Physics) (Paperback)

The essential logic of this book is stated at 'Preface': "quantum phenomena do not occur in a Hilbert space, they occur in a laboratory". The author's view is stated on p.26: "The essence of quantum theory is to provide a mathematical representaion of states (that is, of preparation procedures), together with rules for computing the probabilities of the various outcomes of any test." Also, on p.183: "The only meaning of "quantum state" is: a list of the statistical properties of an ensemble of ideally prepared systems." The above pragmatic view of quantum theory is truly innovative, and expected to settle the longstanding controversies over the meaning of quantum theory. The author's view seems to correspond to Einstein's instrumental interpretation of quantum theory, one of Einstein's three interpretations of qunatum theory. (see, A. Fine in "Einstein in Context" pp.257-273: http://www.amazon.com/Einstein-Context-Science-Mara-Beller/dp/0521448344/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223250841&sr=1-2 )

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A High class presentation of fundemental quantum theory, September 2, 2007

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Least Action Hero - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods (Fundamental Theories of Physics) (Paperback)

This book is the result of something like six years of work. The highly contemplative tone of this deep composition reflects the labor of the author. It is extremely well presented. The many problems range from quite easy (but not trivial) to time demanding mini-projects. The book is written for self-study, too. Which, to me, is something more authors need to embrace.
Final Note: This texts serves as a sophisticated introduction to the foundational aspects of quantum theory. A bit of higher math, computational skill, and a working knowledge of elementary theoretical physics will be useful.

18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good, March 22, 1998

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Emre Domanic (Istanbul, TURKEY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quantum Theory: Concepts and Methods (Fundamental Theories of Physics) (Hardcover)

One of the rare books that give a deep and balanced account of Quantum Theory... Concepts are emphasized as much as techniques. Anyone who wants to understand (as opposed to merely use) quantum mechanics should at least have a brief look through such a book...