Concepts in quantum mechanics

de F. A. Kaempffer

This is a truly remarkable and unusual, and for a big class of readers, a most delightful book. In spite of the author’s modest hope, it cannot be considered as a textbook in the conventional sense. As the title reveals, the author concentrates on the most fundamental basic concepts of modern quantum theory. Very commendably, he avoids the historical approach and its concomitant pitfalls. Thus the book is eminently suited to give deep insight and understanding of the whole framework of quantum theory, but this beneficial effect will be brought forth only for readers who already have a working knowledge in standard quantum theory. In other words, the most probable use of this book will be to provide supplementary individual study for ambitious students. The fundamental concepts concerning states, observables and measurements in quantum theory are elucidated, and the main features of quantum dynamics are exposed. Special emphasis is given to problems of symmetry and invariance, without the use of explicit group-theoretic concepts and methods. Quantum field theory is introduced in a somewhat unconventional manner, and the highlights of perturbational quantum electrodynamics are presented. Topics concerning strong interactions, as well as the quasi-particle concept and its role in the many body problem, conclude the discussions. The style of exposition is extremely clear. Reviewed by P. Roman c Copyright American Mathematical Society 1965, 2010