Quantum Physics for Beginners

Zbigniew Ficek is professor of quantum optics and quantum information at the National Centre for Applied Physics, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Saudi Arabia. He received his PhD from Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland, in 1985. He is particularly well known for his contributions to the fields of multi-atom effects, spectroscopy with squeezed light, quantum interference, multichromatic spectroscopy, and entanglement.

• Radiation (Light) Is a Wave. Difficulties of the Wave Theory of Radiation. Black-Body Radiation. Planck’s Quantum Hypothesis: The Birth of the Quantum Theory. The Bohr Model. Duality of Light and Matter. Non-relativistic Schrodinger Equation. Applications of the Schrodinger Equation. Multidimensional Quantum Wells. Linear Operators and Their Algebra. Dirac Bra-Ket Notation. Matrix Representations. Spin Operators and Pauli Matrixes. Quantum Dynamics and Pictures. Quantum Harmonic Oscillator. Quantum Theory of Hydrogen Atom. Quantum Theory of Two-Coupled Particles. Time-Independent Perturbation Theory. Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory. Relativistic Schrodinger equation. Systems of Identical Particles.

"Zbigniew Ficek has written an excellent book that provides the basic tools for the necessary understanding of various physical phenomena associated with quantum physics. Topics are chosen at the appropriate level, and the presentation is crystal clear and concise. One of the unique strengths of this book is the immaculate balance between general theoretical formulations and concrete physical examples. This fascinating book is strongly recommended to anyone who seeks a pedagogical introduction to quantum physics."—Prof. Ting Yu, Stevens Institute of Technology, USA"This book proves that quantum theory can be presented in a simple way. The reader will gain understanding of the physical ideas which lead to the development of quantum mechanics, and will learn some indispensable mathematical tools. Several examples and interesting tutorial problems are provided to facilitate self-study."—Prof. Karol Życzkowski, Jagiellonian University and Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland"A must-have book for those who want to be acquainted with quantum physics. The excellent text is complemented with worked examples, tutorial and discussion problems, revision questions and even pertinent questions raised by Dr. Ficek’s former students. It is especially ideal for students and researchers beginning to explore the area of quantum physics."—Prof. Ridza Wahiddin, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia"The author has an impressive knack for presenting the important and interesting ideas of quantum physics, by making an excellent balance between the vivid interpretation of the word ‘quantum’ and its mathematical formulation. It is indeed an ideal textbook and reference for the newcomers in the field of quantum physics." —Prof. Qiongyi He, Peking University, China