Operator Methods in Quantum Mechanics (Paperback)

by Martin Schechter (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level text introduces the power of operator theory as a tool in the study of quantum mechanics, assuming only a working knowledge of advanced calculus and no background in physics. The author presents a few simple postulates describing quantum theory, gradually introducing the mathematical techniques that help answer questions important to the physical theory. The entire book is devoted to the study of a single particle moving along a straight line. By posing questions about the particle, the text gradually leads readers into the development of mathematical techniques that provide the answers. 1981 ed.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (February 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486425479
• ISBN-13: 978-0486425474
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #981,160 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Unique and Interesting Book., April 22, 2003

By	"seriousthinker" (USA) - See all my reviews

The book is about the mathematics of a single particle in 1-D space, the line, written for math people. Yeah, it's 300 pages for a little guy moving in a straight line! Isn't that enough?

It's about mathematical modeling, power, and beauty. Physics background is not required. Maybe no idea is even better! Prof. Schechter has spent much time preparing the contents, so you don't have to look around.

This book could be used as a first course in mathematical physics, or a supplement of mathematical modeling or functional analysis. Prof. Schechter teaches us about translating QM postulates into math. Starts off very simple 1-D case for a particle, and no more. Again, isn't that enough?

I think "encouraging" is the best word to describe his style for this book. A very gentle math teacher. The quality of math is as good as von Neumann or Weyl, and the representation is better. He even tells you what probability really is. (Do you know?)

It's more user-friendly than many other mathematical physics books. And the cover is maybe one of the most beautiful among Dover paperbacks.

Yet another "Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics" -- a very unique one!

I was very lucky to encounter this book which was almost hidden in a pile of books. Attracted by the cover design, so I pulled it out hard. Then found that I was right.

If you are kind-of math guy and interested in QM or modeling as well, check this book out. It's hard to find in bookstores, though.

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"Though this be madness, yet there's method in it." -- Polunius, in Hamlet.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of the material, February 16, 2007

By	irothste (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews

This book is excellent. I don't pretend it should be used as a course for either quantum mechanics or functional analysis. It is at a level way above that necessary for quantum mechanics and it does not cover enough material to be a serious textbook for functional analysis.

That said at 15$ it is a great addition to any library. A reader can move through the book and really get an understanding of the topics presented. The books by Reed and Simon are a must for any mathematical physicist but they can sometimes be intimidating. The material presented here is relevant and presented in a very straightforward manner. If you have a background in analysis and wish to learn more about quantum mechanics I would definitely recommend this book. Another possible use is as an additional text in a functional analysis course so students can see direct applications.