Relativistic quantum mechanics

In summary: P. Wigner, "On the mathematical theory of the wave-particle duality", Ann. Math. 48 (1945), 1-41.P. A. M. Dirac, "The physical meaning of the wave-particle duality", Proc. R. Soc. London A 165 (1946), 577-598.F. Schwabl, "Advanced Quantum Mechanics", Springer, 2000.The book by Greiner "Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Wave equations", 3.ed, Springer, is also a good choice.
  • #1
iamquantized
28
0
What is the best book out there on relativistic quantum mechanics for someone who has a bachelor degree in physics and pursuing graduate study now?
 
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  • #2
Mandel and Shaw's book is good along with Aitcheson and Hey, they are both more modern. A classic is Bjorken and Drell or Sakaurai (advanced QM).
 
  • #3
In our university we use Frank Gross "relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory" (wileY). Check 'em out on amazon.
 
  • #4
Check out the second part of F. Schwabl's "Advanced Quantum Mechanics", 3.ed., Springer, 2000 or the book by Greiner "Relativistic Quantum Mechanics: Wave equations", 3.ed, Springer.

If you want mathematical rigor, check B. Thaller's "The Dirac's equation".
 
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  • #5
Thank you for all the recommendations. I have decided to start with Mandel and Shaw's book... Will get it tomorrow in my post :) Cheers!
 
  • #6
iamquantized said:
What is the best book out there on relativistic quantum mechanics for someone who has a bachelor degree in physics and pursuing graduate study now?

There is an approach to relativistic quantum mechanics which (in my humble opinion) is superior to all others. It is based on Wigner's theory of unitary representations of the Poincare group. Occasionally, these ideas are mentioned in textbooks, but I haven't seen any good systematic exposition. If at some point you get frustrated with textbooks, try these original journal articles. You might like them:

E. P. Wigner, "On unitary representations of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group", Ann. Math. 40 (1939) 149.

P. A. M. Dirac, "Forms of relativistic dynamics", Rev. Mod. Phys. 21 (1949), 392

T. D. Newton and E. P. Wigner, "Localized states for elementary systems", Rev. Mod. Phys. 21 (1949), 400

B. Bakamjian and L. H. Thomas, "Relativistic particle dynamics. II", Phys. Rev. 92 (1953), 1300

L. L. Foldy, "Relativistic particle systems with interaction", Phys. Rev. 122 (1961), 275

D. G. Currie and T. F. Jordan and E. C. G. Sudarshan, "Relativistic invariance and
Hamiltonian theories of interacting particles", Rev. Mod. Phys. 35 (1963), 350

B. D. Keister and W. N. Polyzou, "Relativistic Hamiltonian Dynamics in nuclear and particle
physics", in Advances in Nuclear Physics vol. 20, edited by J. W. Negele and E. W. Vogt,
(Plenum Press, 1991)
http://www.physics.uiowa.edu/~wpolyzou/papers/rev.pdf

Eugene.
 

1. What is relativistic quantum mechanics?

Relativistic quantum mechanics is a theoretical framework that combines the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity to describe the behavior of particles at high speeds and energies. It is used to study the fundamental building blocks of matter and their interactions.

2. How does relativistic quantum mechanics differ from classical mechanics?

Unlike classical mechanics, which is based on Newton's laws of motion, relativistic quantum mechanics takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, on the behavior of particles. It also uses probability amplitudes instead of classical probabilities to describe the behavior of particles.

3. What are the main principles of relativistic quantum mechanics?

The main principles of relativistic quantum mechanics include the uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty; the wave-particle duality, which describes the dual nature of particles as both waves and particles; and the principle of superposition, which states that a particle can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

4. What are some applications of relativistic quantum mechanics?

Relativistic quantum mechanics has a wide range of applications, including particle physics, quantum field theory, and astrophysics. It is also used in the development of technologies such as laser technology, superconductors, and transistors.

5. What are some open questions and challenges in relativistic quantum mechanics?

Despite its success in explaining many phenomena, there are still unanswered questions and challenges in relativistic quantum mechanics. These include the unification of quantum mechanics and general relativity, the measurement problem, and the interpretation of the wave function. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to develop a more comprehensive theory, such as a theory of quantum gravity.

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