Semiclassical Mechanics with Molecular Applications

Semiclassical Mechanics with Molecular Applications

The second edition of an established graduate text, this book complements the material for a typical advanced graduate course in quantum mechanics by showing how the underlying classical structure is reflected in quantum mechanical interference and tunnelling phenomena, and in the energy and angular momentum distributions of quantum mechanical states in the moderate to large (10-100) quantum number regime. Applications include accurate quantization techniques for a variety of tunnelling and curve-crossing problems and of non-separable bound systems; direct inversion of molecular scattering and spectroscopic data; wavepacket propagation techniques; and the prediction and interpretation of elastic, inelastic and chemically reactive scattering. The main text concentrates less on the mathematical foundations than on the global influence of the classical phase space structures on the quantum mechanical observables. Further mathematical detail is contained in the appendices and worked problem sets are included as an aid to the student. Review from previous edition: "Mark Child of the University of Oxford, has written a valuable book to guide us through the maze of the recent literature. ... an excellent introduction to its subject, and is warmly recommended for its coverage of the many facets of semi-classical theory." --J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. "... the author has succeeded well in his intention to write an introduction to semiclassical mechanics, and has definitely filled a market gap between undergraduate quantum mechanics and research on quantum chaos. His molecular examples are illuminating, and of specific interest to molecular physicists and chemists. However, his emphasis on the fundamentals of semiclassical mechanics will make 'Semiclassical Mechanics with Molecular Applications' profitable reading for a much wider audience. 04/02/1993" --Dr P. T. Greenland, AEA Technology, Harwell, Contemporary Physics "M.S. Child is eminently qualified to write an authoritative text on this subject and that is exactly what he has done. The book is written in a clear, lucid style, with interesting, well-chosen examples and problems throughout, providing a structured overview of the subject and giving just the right amount of detail. This book will undoubtedly become a standard text for all who wish to pursue research using the tools of semiclassical mechanics." --G. B. Bacskay, University of Sydney, Chemistry in Australia The second edition of a comprehensive text designed for advanced graduate courses in quantum mechanics. M. S. Child, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Chemistry, University of Oxford Cambridge: BA, PhD (1956-62). Glasgow: Lecturer (1963-66). Oxford: Lecturer (1966-89), Reader (1989-94), Coulson Professor of Theoretical Chemistry (1994-2004). Fellow of Royal Society (1989). Visiting professorships: Jerusalem, Paris, Grenoble, Colorado. Invited lectureships: William Draper Harkins (Chicago), Condon (Colorado), Tilden (Royal Society of Chemistry), Boys-Rahman (Royal Society of Chemistry). Conference Chairman: NATO ASI (1977, 1979), Royal Society Discussion (1996), Faraday Discussion (2004).