Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

Book Details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press

• Author: John von Neumann

• Language: English

• Edition: Reprint

• ISBN: 9780691028934

• Pages: 460

• Cover: Paperback

• Release Date: 17-11-1996

• Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches

About The Book
Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics by John von Neumann is a groundbreaking text that fundamentally altered the landscape of theoretical physics when first published. Von Neumann, one of the foremost mathematicians of the 20th century, presents a deep and rigorous mathematical exploration of quantum mechanics, offering insights that have continued to shape the field.

The book is built around the mathematical framework of Hermitean operators and Hilbert spaces, both of which are essential concepts for understanding quantum mechanics. Von Neumann presents transformation theory, which he regards as the definitive formulation of quantum mechanics, and uses this framework to explore and solve several key issues in quantum theory.

The content includes:

• Hermitean Operators and Hilbert Spaces: Key mathematical concepts that form the foundation of quantum theory and its formalism.

• Quantum Statistical Mechanics: An exploration of the mathematical underpinnings of quantum statistical mechanics.

• Measurement Processes in Quantum Mechanics: A thorough mathematical analysis of the quantum measurement process, a critical area of study in quantum mechanics.

• General Problems in Quantum Theory: Von Neumann tackles fundamental problems of quantum theory with mathematical rigor, providing clarity on essential aspects of the subject.

Regarded as a tour de force at the time of its publication, Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics is still considered essential reading for anyone studying the deep mathematical structures behind quantum physics. It remains a valuable text for students, researchers, and professionals interested in the foundations of quantum mechanics, particularly in the areas of operator theory, quantum statistics, and the philosophical implications of measurement in quantum systems.