Introduction to Perturbation Theory in Quantum Mechanics

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 implementationIntroduction 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.

Francisco M. Fernandez, Ph.D., is Professor at the University of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina