Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Chapter 1 Basic Concepts in Quantum Mechanics
- Chapter 2 One-Dimensional Potential Problems
- Chapter 3 Three-Dimensional Problems
- Chapter 4 Approximation Methods in Quantum Mechanics
- Chapter 5 Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics
- Chapter 6 Nonequilibrium statistical Mechanics
- Chapter 7 Multielectron Systems and Crystalline Symmetries
- Chapter 8 Motion of Electrons in a Periodic Potential
- Chapter 9 Phonons and Scattering Mechanisms in Solids
- Chapter 10 Generation and Recombination Processes In Semiconductors
- Chapter 11 Junctions
- Chapter 12 Semiconductor Photonic Detectors
- Chapter 13 Optoelectronic Emitters
- Chapter 14 Field-Effect Devices
- References
- Index
Chapter 1 - Basic Concepts in Quantum Mechanics
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- Chapter 1 Basic Concepts in Quantum Mechanics
- Chapter 2 One-Dimensional Potential Problems
- Chapter 3 Three-Dimensional Problems
- Chapter 4 Approximation Methods in Quantum Mechanics
- Chapter 5 Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics
- Chapter 6 Nonequilibrium statistical Mechanics
- Chapter 7 Multielectron Systems and Crystalline Symmetries
- Chapter 8 Motion of Electrons in a Periodic Potential
- Chapter 9 Phonons and Scattering Mechanisms in Solids
- Chapter 10 Generation and Recombination Processes In Semiconductors
- Chapter 11 Junctions
- Chapter 12 Semiconductor Photonic Detectors
- Chapter 13 Optoelectronic Emitters
- Chapter 14 Field-Effect Devices
- References
- Index
Summary
Quantum mechanics forms the basis of modern physics. In a sense it is the parent theory about which we construct our view of the physical world. Briefly, quantum mechanics is the theory by which we describe the behaviors of subatomic and atomic particles, such as electrons, of which the macroscopic world is made. Although it is not necessary to treat macroscopic objects by use of quantum mechanics, the laws of quantum mechanics and their implications are completely consistent with Newton's Laws of Motion, which we know are applicable to most macroscopic objects. As we will see below, Newton's Laws of Motion are a special subset of quantum mechanics; quantum mechanics reduces to Newton's Laws at macroscopic dimensions.
Before we begin our study of quantum mechanics, it is of interest to explain why quantum mechanics is of importance in the study of modern electrical engineering. Many new areas of electrical engineering are based on developments that can be understood only through the use of quantum mechanics. Among these are the broad areas of
semiconductors and solid-state electronic devices,
electro-optics and lasers,
superconductors.
It would be fair to say that in the study of each of the above areas some knowledge of quantum mechanics is essential. In this book, some basic concepts in quantum mechanics are presented that are necessary in the study of the above-mentioned disciplines.
Introduction
The concept most basic toward the understanding of quantum mechanics is the concept of measurement.
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- The Physics of SemiconductorsWith Applications to Optoelectronic Devices, pp. 1 - 60Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 1999