Time-Dependent Quantum Mechanics of Two-Level Systems

With both industrial and teaching experience, the author explains the effects of time dependence in systems with two energy levels. The book starts with time-independent interactions and goes on to treat interactions with time-dependent electric and magnetic fields. Complete derivations are presented for each case, so the reader understands how the solutions are found. Both closed-form and numerical solutions are treated, and the calculations are compared with experimental data from the literature. Numerous plots are provided to show how the solutions depend on the parameters of the interactions.

The book builds upon an undergraduate course in quantum mechanics and is useful for readers interested in magnetic resonance and quantum optics. In addition, this book is ideal for self-study by students or researchers starting on two-level systems. The detailed derivations and plots should ease readers into the study of two-level systems in a wide variety of settings.

Contents:PrefaceSpin Precession and Rate EquationsTwo-Level Systems with a Time-Independent InteractionTwo-Level Systems with a Time-Dependent InteractionApplications and Examples of Two-Level SystemsThe Density Matrix and the Relaxation of Two-Level SystemsThe Second-Order Correlation Function for Two-Level SystemsAppendices:Physical ConstantsThe Electromagnetic FieldDiagonalization of a Matrix in Chapter 2The Time Evolution Operator and the Sudden ApproximationBeyond the Rotating Wave ApproximationThe Second-Order Correlation Function for a Two-Level SystemReferencesIndex
Readership: This is an undergraduate textbook in quantum mechanics suitable for students in physics, chemistry, optics, materials science, and electrical engineering.
Key Features:The book starts at entry level and doesn't require knowledge in quantum mechanicsDetailed derivations of the solutions and plots of the resultsTreats a wide range of time-dependent two-level problems. Closed-form solutions are provided for most cases; experimental data are included and compared to calculations