Which Texts Are Best for Applied Quantum Mechanics and Mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying suitable texts for applied quantum mechanics and mechanics, specifically targeting materials appropriate for junior-level students or higher. Participants express interest in texts that emphasize application and rigor.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for an excellent applied quantum mechanics text suitable for junior year or higher, along with a mechanics book of similar level.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific applications of interest, suggesting areas like device physics, lasers, or quantum computing.
  • A participant mentions their prior experience with "Modern Physics" by Randy Harris and expresses a desire for a text that combines rigor with application-based questions.
  • One response challenges the idea that Q&M applications texts typically have "lots of rigor," suggesting that the participant may need to adjust their expectations regarding the level of rigor in such texts.
  • Another participant proposes "Practical Quantum Mechanics" by Siegfried Flugge, noting it may not meet the rigor expectations but could be relevant.
  • A later reply suggests "Applied Quantum Mechanics" by Levi as a potential resource.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the availability of rigorous applied quantum mechanics texts. There is no consensus on which texts best meet the criteria of application and rigor, and multiple competing suggestions are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that the expectations for rigor in applied texts may not align with typical offerings in the field, suggesting a potential mismatch between desired content and available resources.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in advanced undergraduate or graduate-level texts in applied quantum mechanics and mechanics, particularly those focused on practical applications and rigorous treatment of the material.

Winzer
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So what is an excellent Q&M text that is geared for application. The level of this text I would expect to be suitable for junior year or higher. Also, what about a mechanics book of this level?
 
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What kind of applications?
Device physics (III-V systems)? Lasers? Quantum Computing?
 
A general Q&M applications text with lots of rigor. I have already taken Modern Honors which included SR and introductory Q&M. The HW had lots of application based questions. I am just looking for a text like this at junior or higher level. By the way the text I used was Modern Physics by Randy Harris.
 
Winzer said:
... A general Q&M applications text with lots of rigor.
... I am just looking for a text like this at junior or higher level.
... By the way the text I used was Modern Physics by Randy Harris.
Well Q&M applications texts tend not to have "lots of rigor" so good luck.
A text like your text would not be "higher level" -><-
Randy Harris? Seriously?
Not sure if it is what your thinking of but how about
_Practical Quantum Mechanics_ by Siegfried Flugge
does not have "lots of rigor" though
or why not try a less applications oriented book first?
 
Winzer said:
A general Q&M applications text with lots of rigor. I have already taken Modern Honors which included SR and introductory Q&M. The HW had lots of application based questions. I am just looking for a text like this at junior or higher level. By the way the text I used was Modern Physics by Randy Harris.

I think I understand what you want-- you want the presentation of the material to be logical, clearly showing how everything is derived, and you want the exercises to be applications based, as opposed to toy models and consider the following seemingly arbitrary function for no reason problems. Am I right?

Your first post made me think that you wanted a book written for mathematicians and perhaps engineers at the same time!
 
Have a look at 'Applied Quantum Mechanics' by Levi.
 

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