High-level book on scattering in quantum mechanics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for a high-level book on scattering in quantum mechanics, particularly one that addresses mathematical details and provides a unified treatment of scattering in both graduate quantum mechanics (QM) and quantum field theory (QFT).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a research-level text that delves into the analytic structure of the S matrix and its relation to Green's functions.
  • Another participant suggests Taylor's "Scattering Theory: The Quantum Theory of Nonrelativistic Collisions" but questions its suitability for high-level needs.
  • A participant acknowledges having previously consulted Taylor's work and finds it a good starting point despite seeking something more advanced.
  • Another participant recommends the book by Eden et al. as a potential resource.
  • Links to additional books are provided, though their relevance to the original request is not discussed in detail.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific book that meets the high-level criteria, indicating multiple competing views on suitable resources.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of varying levels of complexity and focus in existing texts, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the appropriateness of recommended books for advanced study.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on scattering theory and its mathematical underpinnings.

king vitamin
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
486
Reaction score
245
I'm interested in a book which treats scattering in quantum mechanics aimed at the research-level. I'm particularly interested in a text which focuses on mathematical details such as the analytic structure of the S matrix, the relation between the S matrix and various green's/two-point functions, the meaning of poles in the S matrix and the relevance to where they lie on the complex plane, etc.

One major point of confusion I've always had is that scattering is treated quite differently in graduate QM courses and QFT courses, and so a book which treats both in a unified way would be ideal.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you know Taylor's "Scattering Theory: The Quantum Theory of Nonrelativistic Collisions"? I'm not sure if it is high-level enough for your purposes, though.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: king vitamin
I'd forgotten about Taylor, but looking it up I see that I've actually looked at it before when I had questions about scattering, thanks! I was aiming for a higher level but this definitely looks like a good place to start when I have questions.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 47 ·
2
Replies
47
Views
7K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
25
Views
6K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K