Modern Physics with Modern Computational Methods

Modern Physics with Modern Computational Methods, Third Edition presents the ideas that have shaped modern physics and provides an introduction to current research in the different fields of physics. Intended as the text for a first course in modern physics following an introductory course in physics with calculus, the book begins with a brief and focused account of experiments that led to the formulation of the new quantum theory, while ensuing chapters go more deeply into the underlying physics.

In this new edition, the differential equations that arise are converted into sets of linear equation or matrix equations by making a finite difference approximation of the derivatives or by using the spline collocation method. MATLAB programs are described for solving the eigenvalue equations for a particle in a finite well and the simple harmonic oscillator and for solving the radial equation for hydrogen. The lowest-lying solutions of these problems are plotted using MATLAB and the physical significance of these solutions are discussed.

Each of the later chapters conclude with a description of modern developments.

• Makes critical topics accessible by illustrating them with simple examples and figures
• Presents modern quantum mechanical concepts systematically and applies them consistently throughout the book
• Utilizes modern computational methods with MATLAB programs to solve the equations that arise in physics, and describes the programs and solutions in detail
• Covers foundational topics, including transition probabilities, crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, and Bloch theorem to build understanding of applications, such as lasers and semiconductor devices
• Features expanded exercises and problems at the end of each chapter as well as multiple appendices for quick reference

John Morrison received a BS degree in Physics from University of Santa Clara in California. During his undergraduate years, he majored in English, Philosophy, and Physics and served as the editor of the campus literary magazine, the Owl. Enrolling at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, he received a PhD degree in theoretical Physics and moved on to postdoctoral research at Argonne National Laboratory where he was a member of the Heavy Atom Group. He then went to Sweden where he received a grant from the Swedish Research Council to build up a research group in theoretical atomic physics at Chalmers Technical University in Goteborg, Sweden. Working together with Ingvar Lindgren, he taught a graduate level-course in theoretical atomic physics for a number of years. Their teaching lead to the publication of the monograph, Atomic Many-Body Theory, which first appeared as Volume 13 of the Springer Series on Chemical Physics. The second edition of this book has become a Springer classic. Returning to the United States, John Morrison obtained a position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University of Louisville where he has taught courses in elementary physics, astronomy, modern physics, and quantum mechanics. In recent years, he has traveled extensively in Latin America and the Middle East maintaining contacts with scientists and mathematicians at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Technion University in Haifa. During the Fall semester of 2009, he taught a course on computational physics at Birzeit University near Ramallah on the West Bank, and he has recruited Palestinian students for the graduate program in physics at University of Louisville. He speaks English, Swedish, and Spanish, and he is currently studying Arabic and Hebrew.