Recommendations for an introductory text on Quantum Physics.

I've been reading a lot of popular science books on Physics, but am getting a little bit annoyed by the lack of any equations. I would like to know if anyone can recommend an introductory textbook on quantum physics (QED, I guess. I'm still not sure about the terminology). I want to point out that I have a maths background and am not looking for more popular science books. Maybe physicists here can recommend their undergrad books?

 

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For non relativistic quantum (particle) mechanics my undergrad text was "quantum mechanics" by Mandl. For a nice first book on QFT (for which you probably need to know a bit about QM and relativity beforehand) go for "quantum field theory" by Ryder.

If you already know quite a bit of maths there may be more appropriate routes to go down that our mathematician friends can recommend.

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Try Quantum Mechanics in a Nutshell by Gerald D. Mahan: Copyright 2009 by Princeton University Press. This is a serious textbook for graduate students.

Compendium of Quantum Physics by Greenberger, Hentschel, & Weinert (Editors, not authors): Copyright 2009 by Springer-Verlag Berliin Heidelberg. This is organized alphabetically & is like an encyclopedia. It could be a handy reference, but would not be suitable as a textbook.

Neither of the above would be considered "popular science for the layman." Both provide equations.

Perhaps a local library or university has copies of the above that you could scan before buying.

In prehistoric times (the era prior to computers), I majored in mathematics & minored in physics. I can still work with differential equations, differential geometry, & a few other areas of mathematics.

The Mahan book looks a bit formidable, but seems comprehensible. My pertinent math knowledge is a bit rusty. For me, the Mahan book will require a lot of time & concentrated effort, equivalent to a semester of work. I am hoping to find the time & determination to fight my way through it later this year.

I am hoping that a more serious book will result in my being able to feel comfortable with some interpretation. Some interpretations seem absurd even though they have advocates with serious credentials. I tend toward Copenhagen, but do not embrace it.

 

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Try "Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths.

This is a sophomore/junior level undergrad book, and you really only need to know how to solve ODEs/PDEs. Some linear algebra would help, but it's not essential to read Griffith's book.

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Quantum-Mechanics-David-Griffiths/dp/0131118927

 

Thanks for the tips. I checked some of the books out on Amazon. "Quantum Mechanics" by Griffiths seems like th ebest bet. The book by Mahan seemed to lunge into the deep end, or at least a little too deep for me.

 

Human001: I hope you will post relating to your study of Quantum Theory.

BTW: Might your name be Adam?

 

Let me say: Griffiths is by no means a comprehensive reference, but it is typically the entry point for undergrads learning about quantum theory, which sounds about like where you are.

 

Actually BenTheMan, I'm probably lower than most undergrads. I don't know Maxwells equations (should an undergrad?), and I have forgotten a lot of what I did know. I took physics up to A-level(that will only mean anything if you are from the UK).