John L Wood – författare

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.

This book - the first of a two-volume set - provides a comprehensive introduction to quantum mechanics for nuclear structure for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students entering the field. The goal is the theoretical description of nuclear structure, beginning with logical foundations based on linear spaces and operators, as applied to two-state systems: both polarized photons and spin-1/2 particles. This leads to the logic behind the physical structure and an axiomatic formulation using linear spaces and operators. The one-dimensional harmonic oscillator is featured as the epitome of the mathematics and the physics. Matrix mechanics is introduced as the fundamental approach needed for calculations of eigenstates. The basics of measurement theory are covered. Wave functions and time dependence are developed using continuous transformation operators. A basic introduction to group theory and the algebra of angular momentum is given. Central force problems are handled algebraically. Finally, charged particle motion in a magnetic field is quantized to illustrate the power of algebraic approaches.

This book introduces nuclear data to the newcomer and provides a basic introduction to the role of nuclear data as the foundation of nuclear structure study. The material presented assumes no prior knowledge of the content or language used in communicating details of nuclear data. The approach builds on basic concepts: from gross properties of nuclei, through properties of quantum excited states, to simple model perspectives.

The role of spectroscopy is thoroughly integrated, across all types of measurements, with many illustrations, to show how properties of nuclei are deduced. The basic technical methods needed for the deduction of nuclear properties from raw data are presented in animated figures, video tutorials, and accompanying PowerPoint® presentations. The level of presentation provides access for students and researchers in applied areas that use nuclear data, e.g., medical applications and nuclear security. Overall, the book focuses on pedagogy and accessibility to the data aspect of nuclear physics.

Key Features

This course text provides an intermediate level treatment on the topic of the nuclear structure, focussing on the collective properties of atomic nuclei. It follows the authors' earlier work, 'Nuclear Data: A Primer', which provided an introduction to nuclear structure. This book goes into more detail on the specific topic of collective motion in nuclei. The book is divided into six main chapters that outline the necessary theory and critically review it in the light of available data. Video-based exercises are included to promote student learning and understanding. The book follows a pathway that is very useful to potential readers, particularly PhD students and advanced undergraduate students.

Key Features

Nuclear structure has two extreme regimes: one where the nuclear structure is collective and driven by all the protons and neutrons acting coherently, and one where the nuclear structure is dominated by single nucleons. Here, we follow the latter "Independent-Particle Motion View" and see how far nuclear data agree with such a simple model.