What is the meaning of "Amplitude of Detection" in A. Zee's QFT book?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "Amplitude of Detection" as presented in A. Zee's book on Quantum Field Theory (QFT). Participants highlight Zee's preference for path integral quantization over canonical quantization, emphasizing that this approach leaves the notion of state ambiguous. It is advised that readers first gain a solid understanding of quantum mechanics through foundational texts before delving into QFT, as this background is crucial for grasping the complexities of the subject.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with path integral quantization
  • Basic knowledge of canonical quantization
  • Exposure to quantum field theory concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study foundational quantum mechanics texts, such as "Principles of Quantum Mechanics" by R. Shankar
  • Explore path integral formulation techniques in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate canonical quantization methods and their applications
  • Read A. Zee's "Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell" for advanced insights
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, quantum field theorists, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of quantum mechanics and its applications in quantum field theory.

Golak Bage
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
TL;DR
Zee explains "The amplitude for detection is given by a fundamental postulate
of quantum mechanics, the superposition principle, as the sum of the amplitude for the
particle to propagate from the source S through the hole A1 and then onward to the point
O and the amplitude for the particle to propagate from the source S through the hole A2
and then onward to the point O." [Page. 3]
I want to understand what does he considers "the states" in the slit experiment context ?
Screenshot 2024-05-20 091433.png
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Zee takes the philosophy, common among many quantum field theorists, that path integral quantisation is sufficient, so that canonical quantization is not really needed. The problem with such philosophy is that the notion of state remains vague. My advice: learn quantum mechanics first, from a book which is not primarily about quantum field theory.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Golak Bage and dextercioby

Similar threads

  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K