The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics [1 ed.] 0521661048, 9780521661041

Table of contents :
Cover
Copyright
Contents
Preface
1 Introduction
2 Classical Magnetic Needles
3 The Stern-Gerlach Experiment
4 The Conundrum of Projections; Repeated Measurements
5 Probability
6 The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Paradox
7 Variations on a Theme by Einstein
8 Optical lnterference
9 Quantal Interference
I 0 Amplitudes
11 Working with Amplitudes
12 Two-Slit Inventions
J 3 Quantum Cryptography
14 Quantum Mechanics of a Bouncing Rall
15 The Wavefunction
Appendix A: A Brief History of Quantum Mechanics
Appendix B: Putting Weirdness to Work
Appendix C: Sources
Appendix D: General Questions
Appendix E: Bibliography
Appendix F: Skeleton Answers for Selected Problems
Index

Citation preview

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Strange World antum Mechanics E. Styer

N71 'When Dan Styer lays out quantum

mechanics, I listen' EDWIN F. TAYLOR

of Technology, winner of the Oersted Medal.

Massachusetts Institute

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CAMBRIDGE

UNIVERSITY PRESS ISBN 0-521-66104-8

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The Strange World of

Quantum Mechanics

This is an exceptionally accessible. accurate, and non -tech nical introduc­ tion to quantum mechanics.

After

brie fly summari:ling the differences between classical and quantum

beha vior. this engaging account consider� the Stern-Gerlach experiment

Hnd i ts implications, t reats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Paradox and Bell's theorem. Quantal inter­

ference and the concept of am pli mdes arc int roduced and the link revealed

between pro babili t ies and the intertc rcncc of amplitudes. Quanta! ampl1-

tud e is employed to describe interference effects. Final chapters explore

exciting new d evelop ments in q u ant u m computation and cryptography.

discover the unexpected behavior of a quanta! bouncing ball. and tackle

the challenge of describing a particle v.1th no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for furt her reading

�ire

inch•ded.

Suitable for use as a course text. The Strange �Yorld

of Quantum

i\1eclwnics

en ables students to develop a genui ne understanding of the domairn of the very small. It will also appeal to general

readers

seeking intellcc�ual

adventure. DAK STYER is Profe:-;sor of Physics at O be r lin College.

Swarthmore College

A graduate

of

and Cornell University. he has published technical

research papers in Physical Ret!iew. Journal