Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Timon Idema

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Authors

Timon Idema

Department of Bionanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8901-5342

Keywords: quantum mechanics, Schrödinger's equation, hydrogen atom, electronic structure, linear algebra

Synopsis

In Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, we cover the basics of quantum mechanics to understand the workings of atoms, molecules, and materials. Starting from the phenomena unexplained by classical physics, we find that we need to replace the classical deterministic view with a probabilistic view of the world. Using Schrödinger's equation, we study the behavior of quantum systems, culminating in an exact description of the hydrogen atom. Building on the exact solutions, we develop methods to deal with more complex systems, which allow us to understand the emergent properties of materials. Finally, we take a short look at the combination of quantum mechanics with the special theory of relativity. The mathematics required to understand the main text are provided in the appendix. The book contains many examples and problems to help the reader follow along.

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Author Biography

Timon Idema, Department of Bionanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

Dr. T. (Timon) Idema is an associate professor at the Department of Bionanoscience at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in The Netherlands. Before starting his research group in Delft in 2012, Idema obtained his PhD in theoretical biophysics at Leiden University (The Netherlands) and worked at the Institut Curie (Paris, France) and the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA).

Idema's group studies collective dynamics in biologically motivated systems, ranging from proteins at the nano scale to tissues and populations at the micro- and macro scale. A theorist himself, Idema frequently collaborates and co-publishes with experimental groups. He also teaches multiple courses at TU Delft, from introductory physics to courses on soft matter and geometry that take students to the cutting edge of current research. Since the fall of 2020, Idema leads the joint-degree MSc Nanobiology programme of TU Delft and the Erasmus University Rotterdam. For his educational work, Idema received several prizes, including the J.B. Westerdijkprize in 2020, a TU Delft education fellowship in 2021, an open education ambassador award in 2023 and the SURF education award in 2023.

For more details on his group’s research and teaching activities, visit their website at idemalab.tudelft.nl.