Quantum Mechanics for Nuclear Structure, Volume 2: An intermediate level view

The first volume of Quantum Mechanics for Nuclear Structure introduced the reader to the basic elements that underpin the one-body formulation of quantum mechanics. Volume two follows on from its predecessor by examining topics essential for understanding the many-body formulation. The algebraic structure of quantum theory is emphasised throughout as an essential aspect of the mathematical formulation of many-body quantum systems.

The authors begin with a thorough treatment of angular momentum theory, covering representation and coupling of spin-angular momentum states and associated operators with a focus on tensor structure. Identical particles and the representation of many-body states and operators are then covered using second quantization, followed by an introduction to the role of group theory and algebraic structures in quantum mechanics. The final chapters cover perturbation theory and the variational method, as well as a brief treatment of electromagnetic fields.