Quantum Theory

Description

This text, for the first time, introduces quantum theory from the perspective of both the physical foundations and practical applications - from quantum computers to secure communication. It requires minimal mathematics and virtually no prior knowledge of physics, and is accessible to beginning undergraduates and students of related disciplines.

• Unique, topical approach to quantum theory at beginning university level
• Material can be covered in a one-semester course
• 80 classroom-tested exercises, with solutions manual available online in late-2021
• Tutorial material like chapter summaries, further reading and navigational aids (ebook)

About the Author(s)

Jochen Rau, Professor of Mathematics, RheinMain University of Applied Sciences

Jochen Rau received degrees in physics and mathematics from Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Cambridge, and Duke University, and did postdoctoral research at Max Planck Institutes in Heidelberg and Dresden, at the European Centre for Theoretical Studies in Nuclear Physics and Related Areas, as well as at the Technical University of Darmstadt. He has taught theoretical physics at Goethe University Frankfurt and Ulm University, and is currently professor of mathematics at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
1.1:Some Experimental Evidence
1.2:Logic
1.3:Probability
Chapter Summary
Exercises
2. Reasoning About Measurements
2.1:Testable Propositions
2.2:Reachable States
2.3:Maximal Knowledge
2.4:The Operations AND and OR
2.5:Composition
2.6:Exchangeable Assemblies
2.7:Measuring a State
2.8:Preparing a State
Chapter Summary
Further Reading
Exercises
3. Probability in Hilbert Space
3.1:Linear Algebra in a Nutshell
3.2:Propositions and States
3.3:Two-Level System
3.4:Observables and Transformations
3.5:Composite Systems
3.6:The Issue of Reality
3.7:Classical Limit
Chapter Summary
Further Reading
Exercises
4. Computation
4.1:Gates and Circuits
4.2:Universality
4.3:Measurement-Based Computation
4.4:Deutsch-Jozsa Algorithm
4.5:Ground States and Classical Optimization
4.6:Simulation
4.7:High-Precision Measurement
Chapter Summary
Further Reading
Exercises
5. Communication
5.1:Classical Information
5.2:Quantum Information
5.3:Cryptography
5.4:Superdense Coding and Teleportation
Chapter Summary
Further Reading
Exercises
References
Index

Reviews

"It is time to present quantum theory in a different way in the light of all the recent work in Quantum Information. Rau has thought this through in great detail. The content is road-tested, and looks compelling. " - Lucien Hardy, Perimeter Institute, Waterloo

"Fills an important gap in the market, and could be used in a variety of departments (such as computer science) as a first introduction to quantum theory." - Philip Goyal, University of Albany

"An amazing book, introducing both the underlying physics and the math in a beautifully comprehensive way." - Bart Selman, Cornell University