Experimental history of quantum physics

[manu de hanoi]

Hello
I have a bunch of issues with the various interpretations of quantum physics. I'd like to dig into it but most textbooks on the topic just throw in your face a bunch of equations and tell you "that's the way it works"

Intead, I'm looking for a detailed history of the experiments that led to the current theories of quantum physics, is there such a book ? If yes please let me know the book title/author thank you very much

 

[Mentz114]

Inward Bound by Abraham Pais, Oxford, 1986.

I couldn't put it down !

also ( for theory )

Sources of Quantum Mechanics, ed. Van der Waerden, Dover, 1967.

Reprints of papers by Einstein, Hesenberg, Pauli and Dirac amongst others.

 

[manu de hanoi]

Thanks @Mentz114 that looks spot on, I'm happyhttps://www.physicsforums.com/members/mentz114.67670/

 

[Dr Transport]

Jammer: Conceptual Development of Quantum Mechanics

 

[kith]

My favorite book on the history of quantum mechanics is "Malcolm Longair: Quantum Concepts in Physics".

 

[vanhees71]

A very detailed multi-volume book is by Mehra and Rechenberg, The historical development of quantum mechanics.

 

[Sophrosyne]

Hello
I have a bunch of issues with the various interpretations of quantum physics. I'd like to dig into it but most textbooks on the topic just throw in your face a bunch of equations and tell you "that's the way it works"

Intead, I'm looking for a detailed history of the experiments that led to the current theories of quantum physics, is there such a book ? If yes please let me know the book title/author thank you very much

One book that I liked from a historical perspective was "What is Quantum Mechanics? A Physics Adventure"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964350440/?tag=pfamazon01-20

It has a lot of cartoons and is written in an unintimidating style. But don't let that fool you. It gets reasonably rigorous. It follows the history of the development of Quantum Mechanics, starting with Planck and the blackbody radiation problem he was grappling with, the photoelectric effect, then moving on to Einstein's interpretation and synthesis of these. It talks about Compton's scattering experiments. There is a nice section on Bohr's model of the atom based on the spectra of the hydrogen atom. It has a great section on Heisenberg's formulation of Matrix mechanics, and Born's and others' insights into developing it further, Einstein's initial objections to Heisenberg's formulation (it even has a section on how after Heisenberg had presented his results at a meeting, Einstein invited him over and really gave him a grilling on his new formulations. The conversation is taken from a memoir which Heisenberg wrote afterward. It is fascinating to hear their conversation, almost as if you were there). It goes on to DeBroglie's work, then Schrödinger (the section on how Schrödinger derived his equation was really confusing. But I don't think anyone really understands how he did it originally. It has almost an element of divine revelation in it or something. I am still trying to figure it out. Most of the quantum mechanics books which derive the equation and "throw it in your face" nowadays are probably better to try to actually understanding how that equation works). There is a very enlightening section, rare to see anywhere else, showing how Schrödinger went on to prove the mathematical equivalence of his formulation of quantum mechanics with that of Heisenberg's Matrix mechanics.

That's about where the book stops. It does not really go on to talking much about Dirac or anything. But it really gives you a nice feel for the story of how quantum mechanics evolved in its early days, and the stories and motivations behind all the characters behind it. It brings the characters, the motivations, and ideas to life.

 

[kith]

It goes on to DeBroglie's work, then Schrödinger (the section on how Schrödinger derived his equation was really confusing. But I don't think anyone really understands how he did it originally. It has almost an element of divine revelation in it or something. I am still trying to figure it out.

Try the chapter on Schrödinger's papers in Longair's book. It contains a good analysis which highlights the key points and nicely provides context. For example, how far Hamilton already got long before people talked about quantum theory or the lucky coincidence that Courant's and Hilbert's book "Methods of Mathematical Physics" appeared just in time to provide the mathematical methods which Schrödinger needed.