Some Unusual Topics in Quantum Mechanics (Lecture Notes in Physics, 1020)

This second edition of Some Unusual Topics in Quantum Mechanics builds upon the topics covered in the first, with additional chapters that delve deeper into the mathematical foundations of the subject. New topics include Hilbert spaces and unbounded operators, minimum uncertainty states, path integrals in general coordinates, Fock spaces, second quantization, relativistic particle states, and quantum fields. Historical insights are also included, such as a pre-history of matrix mechanics and Pauli's proof of the H-atom spectrum using O(4) symmetry. Finally, readers are introduced to Bell's inequality and the non-locality in quantum mechanics that is revealed through its violation. These topics are rarely covered in introductory textbooks but are crucial to developing a student's interest and deeper understanding of quantum mechanics. This book serves as valuable supporting material for graduate-level core courses on the subject.

Pankaj Sharan is a professor retired from the Department of Physics at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. His research interests are chiefly in quantum mechanics, quantum field theory and general relativity. Over a teaching career spanning four decades, he has taught courses on quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, classical mechanics, general relativity and mathematical physics. He is the author of the book Spacetime, Geometry and Gravitation (Birkhäuser, 2009).