QM1: Book on Dirac Picture | Griffiths/Shankar Level

In summary, the conversation discusses the Schrodinger picture and the Dirac picture in relation to quantum mechanics. The individual is looking for a textbook on the Dirac picture at an undergraduate level, but it is suggested to refer to standard QM books such as Shankar or Sakurai for information on the interaction picture.
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I've taken a course in QM 1, based on the Schrodinger picture and QM 2 looks to be a continuation of this picture.

Looking through Wikipedia, I found the article on the Dirac picture. Is there a good undergraduate (at the level of Griffiths or Shankar) textbook on this picture of QM? Since Statistical mechanics, Dirac has been a sort of idol of mine and I'd like to learn more about this picture.

Thanks.
 
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I don't think you will get an entire book on that. The interaction picture is basically developed to make time-dependent perturbation theory easier to deal with. You can look in probably Shankar or Sakurai or any standard QM book on the time-dependent perturbation theory and the interaction picture will probably pop up. Not in Griffiths though.
 
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1. What is the Dirac Picture in quantum mechanics?

The Dirac Picture is a formulation of quantum mechanics that was first introduced by the physicist Paul Dirac. In this picture, the state of a quantum system is described by a wave function that evolves in time according to the Schrödinger equation. The Dirac Picture is often contrasted with the Heisenberg Picture, where the operators are time-dependent and the states are time-independent.

2. How is the Dirac Picture different from the Schrödinger Picture?

The main difference between the Dirac Picture and the Schrödinger Picture is the way in which time evolution is treated. In the Schrödinger Picture, the operators are time-independent while the states are time-dependent. In the Dirac Picture, it is the opposite - the states are time-independent while the operators are time-dependent. This leads to different mathematical formulations and interpretations of quantum mechanics.

3. What is the significance of the Dirac Picture in quantum mechanics?

The Dirac Picture is significant because it allows for a more intuitive understanding of quantum mechanics. By treating the states as time-independent and the operators as time-dependent, it is easier to visualize the evolution of a quantum system over time. This picture also provides a more formal mathematical framework for dealing with time-dependent perturbations and interactions in quantum mechanics.

4. What are some common applications of the Dirac Picture in quantum mechanics?

The Dirac Picture is commonly used in various areas of quantum mechanics, such as quantum field theory, quantum optics, and quantum information theory. It is particularly useful in calculations involving time-dependent perturbations, such as the calculation of transition probabilities and scattering amplitudes.

5. Is the Dirac Picture the only way to approach quantum mechanics?

No, the Dirac Picture is not the only way to approach quantum mechanics. There are other formulations, such as the Schrödinger Picture and the Heisenberg Picture, which provide different perspectives and mathematical frameworks for understanding quantum systems. Each of these approaches has its own advantages and applications, and the choice of which one to use depends on the specific problem at hand.

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