Quantum Looking for a Quantum Mechanics Book for Non-Physicists?

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The discussion centers on finding suitable resources for understanding Quantum Mechanics (QM) from a mathematical perspective, particularly for those with a background in Computer Science and discrete mathematics. The original poster seeks a source that aligns with the linear algebraic approach used in Nielsen and Chuang's book, without delving deeply into complex physics or detailed solutions to equations like Schrödinger's. Recommendations include Schumacher and Westmoreland's book, which provides a modern quantum information viewpoint, and Anthony Sudbery's "Quantum Mechanics and the Particles of Nature," noted for its abstract mathematical treatment suitable for mathematicians. Additionally, an open-access textbook titled "Quantum Computing for the Quantum Curious" is suggested, which aims to bridge the gap between popular science and advanced study, using only high school physics. The overall focus is on resources that emphasize mathematical rigor while minimizing the physics-heavy content.
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Hi all,

I have a simple question (apologies of this has been asked elsewhere, I am new here):

I am looking for a source on Quantum Mechanics for non-physicists. A little more detail on what I am looking for: I am a PhD in Discrete Maths/Optimization and I come from a pure Computer Science background. lately, I have been very interested in Quantum Computing. I like the level of detail, for example of Nielsen and Chuang's book (Chapter 2 is dedicated to the postulates and basic calculations on QM). However, I would like to go deeper into that stuff, and I am looking for a source that uses the same "vocabulary" as Nielsen and Chuang's book (Linear Algebra). I am not looking for detailed solutions of Schrödinger's equation etc.

If you have any suggestions, let me know. I tried Sakurai's book but this is not what I'm looking for. Actually, something like Susskind & Friedman book (from the theoretical minimum series) is exactly what I look for, but on more advanced level, but I do not know of this exists.

Cheers!
 
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psyspin said:
However, I would like to go deeper into that stuff, and I am looking for a source that uses the same "vocabulary" as Nielsen and Chuang's book (Linear Algebra). I am not looking for detailed solutions of Schrödinger's equation etc.
If you a quantum information point of view, you might want to look at @Demystifier 's recommendation. If you a quantitative introduction to quantum mechanics and elementary particles for interest's sake, you might want to look at "Quantum Mechanics and the Particles of Nature: An Outline for Mathematicians" by Anthony Sudbery. This book was written for final-year British mathematics students, and thus has no physics prerequisite. This book, unlike many physics books, has nice, crisp, somewhat abstract mathematics that has the flavour of linear algebra, but it does not dwell on mathematical rigour (i.e., nothing about the domains of unbounded self-adjoint operators). It doesn't spend much time solving differential equations, e.g., it uses an algebraic method to find the energy spectrum of hydrogen.
 
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George Jones said:
If you a quantum information point of view, you might want to look at @Demystifier 's recommendation. If you a quantitative introduction to quantum mechanics and elementary particles for interest's sake, you might want to look at "Quantum Mechanics and the Particles of Nature: An Outline for Mathematicians" by Anthony Sudbery. This book was written for final-year British mathematics students, and thus has no physics prerequisite. This book, unlike many physics books, has nice, crisp, somewhat abstract mathematics that has the flavour of linear algebra, but it does not dwell on mathematical rigour (i.e., nothing about the domains of unbounded self-adjoint operators). It doesn't spend much time solving differential equations, e.g., it uses an algebraic method to find the energy spectrum of hydrogen.
Many thanks! That might indeed be what I am looking for: a book about the maths of QM, with minimal physics, in a linear algebraic formalism, that is not as elementary as Susskind and Friedman, and extends Nielsen and Chuang.
 
Demystifier said:
Schumacher and Westmoreland is a general introduction to QM with emphasis on modern quantum information point of view. (Schumacher is the guy who coined the word "qubit".)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/052187534X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
I was not aware of that book, and many thanks for the suggestion. I am not into Quantum Information Theory but the table of contents of that book seems promising!
 
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On a different level: Ghirardi's "Sneaking a look..." :)
 
Have a look at the open access textbook Quantum Computing for the Quantum Curious by Hughes et al.

Description from the Springer website:
"This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access.
Demystifies quantum computing, using only high school physics.
Bridges the gap between popular science articles and advanced textbooks.
Adaptable for courses ranging from high school to college."
 
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