In a comprehensive presentation, the four volumes of this textbook develop and explore the foundations of non-relativistic quantum mechanics in depth, which makes them also ideally suited as a reference work.

The fourth volume begins with a detailed chapter on non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics (QED), traditionally referred to as "quantum theory of radiation", and then leads into relativistic quantum theory. The textbook concludes with a careful treatment of the scope and limitations of relativistic quantum mechanics, as well as a thorough examination of symmetries in relativistic quantum theory. Translated with AI assistance and revised by the author.

Special Features:

Even complex topics are explained clearly and with illustrating examples. Numerous mathematical digressions elucidate general mathematical concepts. Particular highlights of the book are a detailed discussion of the Lamb shift and the Casimir effect, including the issues of renormalisation that arise in this context, as well as the analysis of the single-particle interpretation in relativistic quantum mechanics and the examination of group contractions in the transition from relativistic to non-relativistic symmetry groups and their representations.

Contents:

1.°Quantization of the electromagnetic field - 2.°Relativistic quantum mechanics - 3.°Symmetries in quantum mechanics II

Target group:

The book is aimed at both undergraduate and graduate students and their instructors. Due to its multi-volume format, the wide range of topics, and references to original scientific papers, it is also a must-have for the bookshelf of anyone working in physics.

Previous knowledge:

Knowledge of theoretical mechanics, electrodynamics, and special relativity, as well as real analysis, linear algebra, and complex analysis, is assumed.

Oliver Tennert received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. He then worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, working on Yang–Mills theories and quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In his doctoral thesis he investigated vortex condensation and quark confinement in lattice Yang–Mills theories in centre projection. His subsequent professional career led him into the area of high-performance computing and its numerous scientific and industrial applications. However, his passion remains theoretical physics and its mathematical methods.