Advanced Quantum mechanics textbook

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for advanced quantum mechanics textbooks suitable for someone transitioning from undergraduate to graduate-level studies. Participants express a desire for texts that integrate more mathematical rigor and concepts not typically covered in undergraduate courses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a textbook that incorporates more mathematics into quantum mechanics, highlighting a lack of exposure to certain concepts during undergraduate studies.
  • Another participant recommends Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics," expressing strong support for its content.
  • A different participant agrees on the merits of Sakurai's books and suggests Landau and Lifgarbagez's volumes, noting their slightly outdated nature but still valuable content.
  • There is a mention of Shankar's book, with mixed opinions on its level, as some consider it intermediate while others believe it could serve as a graduate-level text.
  • Books by Ballentine and Isham are also suggested, with a participant expressing interest in Isham's work due to its association with another known author.
  • A participant shares a positive experience with Zetilli's book, noting its balance between undergraduate and graduate levels, along with its problem-solving approach, despite acknowledging some errors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of Sakurai's work, but there is no consensus on the appropriateness of Shankar's book, with differing opinions on its level. Multiple competing views on other recommended texts also remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the presence of errors in certain textbooks, which may affect their usability. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific mathematical prerequisites or depth required for the recommended texts.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for graduate students in physics or related fields seeking advanced quantum mechanics resources that emphasize mathematical rigor.

Livingston
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Hello everyone!

I'm looking for an advanced quantum mechanics textbook. I've taken several undergrad quantum courses, but since starting my masters and taking grad courses in noncommutative geometry, functional analysis, and gauge theory to name a few I feel unsatisfied with the level of quantum mechanics I was taught during my undergrad (for example we never used the bra-ket notation or ever discussed eigenstates to name a few).

What kind of textbook would you recommend? I would like something that sort of ties more mathematics into quantum mechanics making it a bit more rigorous than one usually sees in a quantum textbook.
 
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Sakurai, Modern Quantum Mechanics.
 
+100 for Sakurai!
Sakurai's Modern Quantum Mechanics and his Advanced Quantum Mechanics books are both very nice

Perhaps some of Landau and Lifgarbagez QM books (vol. 3 & 4) wouldn't go astray although they are a little outdated they're still pretty good.
 
Yeah I was thinking that book or Shankar. I guess Shankar is more of intermediate book?
 
Livingston said:
Yeah I was thinking that book or Shankar. I guess Shankar is more of intermediate book?
I would say so, but it could easily be a graduate level book too. It has a large scope. I just prefer Sakurai's writing.
 
Great. Thanks. If that's the same Isham of "Ashtekar and Isham" I may just have to check it out.
 
I have one by Zetilli that I really like. It has a lot of solved problems, so it is good both as a book and as a reference. It isn't super advanced, but neither is it easy, kind of in-between undergrad and grad level. There's some errors, but I actually find that they keep you on your feet.
 

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