What's the next step after undergrad quantum?

[wotanub]

I finished my run through of quantum with a book equivalent to Griffiths. Should I go through it again with a more advanced quantum book, or should I move onto something like QFT (maybe an easier book like Zee)?

I'm going to be doing research involving anti-hydrogen, so I'm not sure if I should be studying particle physics stuff or atomic/optical physics stuff. Or both, but I need to just pick something the start with.

 

[PhizKid]

Atomic

 

[Jorriss]

I would recommend a more advanced quantum book like Zettilli or Sakurai.

That being said, atomic physics is an amazingly interesting field so learning some atomic physics wouldn't be bad.

That being, research involving anti-hydrogen is pretty vague. Will this be experimental or numerical? If it's experimental, what techniques will you be using? Is this an ion trapping group?

 

[ZombieFeynman]

I would recommend a more advanced quantum book like Zettilli or Sakurai.

I second Zettilli but I also think Shankar is a very nice text. If you want a challenge, try Merzerbacher.

I think a book like Zee is better used after a more thorough grounding. I know I certainly was not ready for QFT after Griffiths.

Therevis a book on atomic physics by Bethe that is very good, though a bit hard and a bit old.

 

[wotanub]

You guys don't think Zettilli is on the same level as Griffiths? I actually used Townsend with Zettilli as a backup when I needed further clarification. I thought those three were basically the same level.

My group is an experimental one that uses a penning trap to store the anti matter and perform measurements.

 

[ZombieFeynman]

You guys don't think Zettilli is on the same level as Griffiths?

Perhaps it is. I do think it's a better book than Griffiths though.

 

[Jorriss]

You guys don't think Zettilli is on the same level as Griffiths? I actually used Townsend with Zettilli as a backup when I needed further clarification. I thought those three were basically the same level.

I think Zettilli is above Griffiths. It's much more thorough.

My group is an experimental one that uses a penning trap to store the anti matter and perform measurements.

That sounds cool, unfortunately that's an area I couldn't assist with advice other than perhaps get a text on atomic physics.

 

[lurflurf]

Which book equivalent to Griffiths? Yeah worthwhile QFT is too big a jump from Griffiths you would want to read a Shankar or Sakurai level book. Or if you are interested a related subject like quantum optics.

 

[wotanub]

Which book equivalent to Griffiths? Yeah worthwhile QFT is too big a jump from Griffiths you would want to read a Shankar or Sakurai level book. Or if you are interested a related subject like quantum optics.

Townsend. Maybe I'll just pick what seems the most fun...