Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

In summary, the conversation discusses the foundations needed to study relativistic quantum mechanics and recommends the book "Relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory" by Gross as a good starting point. It also mentions that the book is well-written and structured for self-study.
  • #1
Domnu
178
0
Assuming that I have a pretty good foundation of relativity (twin paradox, pole paradox, Lorentz transformations, four vectors, etc.), and I have a good foundation of the preliminaries of quantum mechanics (up to spin, angular momentum, etc... a bit of time-dependent perturbation theory and identical particles theory), would it be appropriate to start studying relativistic quantum mechanics? If so, what would be a good place to start?
 
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  • #2
yes it would be a great place to start :-)

The book I use is "Relativistic quantum mechanics and field theory" by Gross, Wiley. Pretty good. I also have some lecture notes which my professor have written.
 
  • #3
I concur with malawi-glenn: Gross has written an outstanding text; he writes clearly, and does the math in a very understandable fashion. He does a particularly nice job of showing how pair-production occurs for a relativistic boson going through a Coulomb barrier. Also. it's nicely structured for self study.

Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 

What is Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is a branch of physics that combines the principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity to explain the behavior of particles at high speeds and in the presence of strong gravitational fields.

How does Relativistic Quantum Mechanics differ from Classical Mechanics?

While Classical Mechanics describes the behavior of particles at low speeds, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics takes into account the effects of special relativity, such as time dilation and length contraction, at high speeds and in strong gravitational fields.

What are the key principles of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

The key principles of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics include the wave-particle duality of matter, the uncertainty principle, and the concept of quantized energy levels. It also incorporates the principles of special relativity, such as the constancy of the speed of light and the equivalence of mass and energy.

What are some applications of Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

Relativistic Quantum Mechanics has many practical applications, including in the fields of particle physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. It is also used in the development of technologies such as particle accelerators, lasers, and nuclear reactors.

What are some of the challenges in studying Relativistic Quantum Mechanics?

One of the main challenges in studying Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is the complexity of the mathematics involved. It also requires a deep understanding of both quantum mechanics and special relativity, which can be difficult to grasp. Additionally, experiments at high speeds and in strong gravitational fields are often expensive and difficult to conduct.

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