What do the basic notations in quantum physics mean?

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Hi

I am a CS student trying to learn the basics of quantum physics. Sadly I can't even get pass the definition of Dirac notation because I do not know the meanings of some basic notations

The only thing I know is that V (superscript T) means transpose. Switch between column and row.

However, I keep seeing notations such as
V (superscript *)
V (superscript +) ==> [look more like a cross]

Can someone tell me that those mean? or maybe tell me what to read to learn about these basic notations?
 
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xusword said:
Hi

I am a CS student trying to learn the basics of quantum physics. Sadly I can't even get pass the definition of Dirac notation because I do not know the meanings of some basic notations

The only thing I know is that V (superscript T) means transpose. Switch between column and row.

However, I keep seeing notations such as
V (superscript *)
V (superscript +) ==> [look more like a cross]

Can someone tell me that those mean? or maybe tell me what to read to learn about these basic notations?

Usually, V (superscript *) means complex conjugated matrix (i.e., all entries of V are complex conjugated) and V (superscript +) means Hermitean conjugated matrix (i.e., V is transposed and complex conjugated).

You should check the exact definitions in your textbook, because some authors use different notations.

Eugene.
 
thanks for your help

actually I was reading on my own. The book I picked didnt go over such minor detail.
 
Always use multiple sources when reading on your own.
 
Just so you know, what you're having problems with are the mathematics, not the physics. These are notations typically taken from mathematics and represents mathematical operations or situations.

Zz.
 
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