Quantum Mechanics Using Computer Algebra

Solving problems in quantum mechanics is an essential skill and research activity for scientists, engineers and others. Nowadays, the labour of scientific computation has been greatly eased by the advent of computer algebra packages. These do not merely perform number-crunching, but enable users to manipulate algebraic expressions and equations symbolically. For example, differentiation and integration can now be carried out algebraically by the computer. This book collects standard and advanced methods in quantum mechanics and implements them using REDUCE, a popular computer algebra package. Throughout, sample programs and their output have been displayed alongside explanatory text, making the book easy to follow. Selected problems have also been implemented using two other popular packages, MATHEMATICA and MAPLE, and in the object-oriented programming language C++. Besides standard quantum mechanical techniques, modern developments in quantum theory are also covered. These include Fermi and Bose Operators, coherent states, gauge theory and quantum groups. All the special functions relevant to quantum mechanics (Hermite, Chebyshev, Legendre and more) are implemented. A careful balance is struck between practical computation and the underlying mathematical concepts, making the book well-suited for use with quantum mechanics courses.