Francisco M. Fernandez

Perturbation theory is a powerful tool for solving a wide variety of problems in applied mathematics, a tool particularly useful in quantum mechanics and chemistry. Although most books on these subjects include a section offering an overview of perturbation theory, few, if any, take a practical approach that addresses its actual implementation Introduction to Perturbation Theory in Quantum Mechanics does. It collects into a single source most of the techniques for applying the theory to the solution of particular problems. Concentrating on problems that allow exact analytical solutions of the perturbation equations, the book resorts to numerical results only when necessary to illustrate and complement important features of the theory. The author also compares different methods by applying them to the same models so that readers clearly understand why one technique may be preferred over another. Demonstrating the application of similar techniques in quantum and classical mechanics, Introduction to Perturbation Theory in Quantum Mechanics reveals the underlying mathematics in seemingly different problems. It includes many illustrative examples that facilitate the understanding of theoretical concepts, and provides a source of ideas for many original research projects.

Perturbation theory is a powerful tool for solving a wide variety of problems in applied mathematics, a tool particularly useful in quantum mechanics and chemistry. Although most books on these subjects include a section offering an overview of perturbation theory, few, if any, take a practical approach that addresses its actual implementation Introduction to Perturbation Theory in Quantum Mechanics does. It collects into a single source most of the techniques for applying the theory to the solution of particular problems. Concentrating on problems that allow exact analytical solutions of the perturbation equations, the book resorts to numerical results only when necessary to illustrate and complement important features of the theory. The author also compares different methods by applying them to the same models so that readers clearly understand why one technique may be preferred over another. Demonstrating the application of similar techniques in quantum and classical mechanics, Introduction to Perturbation Theory in Quantum Mechanics reveals the underlying mathematics in seemingly different problems. It includes many illustrative examples that facilitate the understanding of theoretical concepts, and provides a source of ideas for many original research projects.

Algebraic Methods in Quantum Chemistry and Physics provides straightforward presentations of selected topics in theoretical chemistry and physics, including Lie algebras and their applications, harmonic oscillators, bilinear oscillators, perturbation theory, numerical solutions of the Schrödinger equation, and parameterizations of the time-evolution operator. The mathematical tools described in this book are presented in a manner that clearly illustrates their application to problems arising in theoretical chemistry and physics. The application techniques are carefully explained with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, and the results are organized to facilitate both manual and numerical calculations. Algebraic Methods in Quantum Chemistry and Physics demonstrates how to obtain useful analytical results with elementary algebra and calculus and an understanding of basic quantum chemistry and physics.

The book provides a general, broad approach to aspects of perturbation theory. The aim has been to cover all topics of interest, from construction, analysis, and summation of perturbation series to applications. Emphasis is placed on simple methods, as well as clear, intuitive ideas stemming from the physics of systems of interest.