Luca Salasnich Livres

The textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical mechanics, special relativity, and quantum physics, structured around the "Quantum Physics" course at the University of Padua. It begins with classical statistical mechanics, progresses through the principles of relativity, and examines light quantization and Bohr's energy levels. The exploration of the Schrödinger equation leads to applications of quantum mechanics, including tunneling and perturbation theory. Later chapters address quantum atomic physics, identical particles, quantum information, and the path integral approach, offering a thorough foundation in modern physics concepts.

This compact but exhaustive textbook, now in its significantly revised and expanded second edition, provides an essential introduction to the field quantization of light and matter with applications to atomic physics and strongly correlated systems. Following an initial review of the origins of special relativity and quantum mechanics, individual chapters are devoted to the second quantization of the electromagnetic field and the consequences of light field quantization for the description of electromagnetic transitions. The spin of the electron is then analyzed, with particular attention to its derivation from the Dirac equation. Subsequent topics include the effects of external electric and magnetic fields on the atomic spectra and the properties of systems composed of many interacting identical particles. The book also provides a detailed explanation of the second quantization of the non-relativistic matter field, i. e., the Schrödinger field, which offers a powerful tool for theinvestigation of many-body problems, and of atomic quantum optics and entanglement. Finally, two new chapters introduce the finite-temperature functional integration of bosonic and fermionic fields for the study of macroscopic quantum phenomena: superfluidity and superconductivity. Several solved problems are included at the end of each chapter, helping readers put into practice all that they have learned.

Focusing on quantum field theory, this book provides a clear introduction to the interactions of light and non-relativistic matter. It delves into many-body techniques applicable to electrons and ultra-cold atoms, making complex concepts accessible. Each chapter is supplemented with solved problems, enhancing understanding and application of the material.