Computation In Modern Physics Second Edition

Computation In Modern Physics (Second Edition)

The use of computers to solve modern scientific problems is very widespread. The impact of the improvement of our techniques on the solution of complex problems is difficult to overstate. Even our approach to most problems has been changed. Solutions to problems once thought intractable are being routinely secured. Instead of using oversimplified models, as has been the practice for the treatment of scientific systems in the past, the entire problem can now be tackled successfully.The second edition of Computation in Modern Physics develops and presents algorithms for the solution of many types of mathematical systems, some dating as far as the last few centuries, but also quite a number that have been developed within the last 10-50 years. In this latter category, close attention is paid to the rapidly developing area of Monte Carlo techniques, where new conceptual views of physics problems are being brought into play. With this method, problems in a large number of dimensions can be solved through the introduction of a modern method for the representation of multidimensional functions.This invaluable book is suitable for two different levels of computational physics. The first part of the book is of an advanced introductory level and is appropriate for good students with no previous experience in computational methods or any student with some experience. Here the student is introduced to integral and differential techniques, Monte Carlo integration, basic computer architecture, methods of linear algebra, finite element techniques, digital signal processing and chaos.The second part of the book is more specialized for problems in strong interaction with emphasis on solutions to many-body scattering problems and several-body bound state calculations with Monte Carlo techniques. It also contains a chapter dealing with techniques for the summation of divergent series.

Computation In Modern Physics (Second Edition).

Modern Physics with Modern Computational Methods

Modern Physics with Modern Computational Methods, Third Edition presents the ideas that have shaped modern physics and provides an introduction to current research in the different fields of physics. Intended as the text for a first course in modern physics following an introductory course in physics with calculus, the book begins with a brief and focused account of experiments that led to the formulation of the new quantum theory, while ensuing chapters go more deeply into the underlying physics.In this new edition, the differential equations that arise are converted into sets of linear equation or matrix equations by making a finite difference approximation of the derivatives or by using the spline collocation method. MATLAB programs are described for solving the eigenvalue equations for a particle in a finite well and the simple harmonic oscillator and for solving the radial equation for hydrogen. The lowest-lying solutions of these problems are plotted using MATLAB and the physical significance of these solutions are discussed.Each of the later chapters conclude with a description of modern developments. - Makes critical topics accessible by illustrating them with simple examples and figures - Presents modern quantum mechanical concepts systematically and applies them consistently throughout the book - Utilizes modern computational methods with MATLAB programs to solve the equations that arise in physics, and describes the programs and solutions in detail - Covers foundational topics, including transition probabilities, crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, and Bloch theorem to build understanding of applications, such as lasers and semiconductor devices - Features expanded exercises and problems at the end of each chapter as well as multiple appendices for quick reference