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Oxford University Press, 2021
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Description
Recent advances in quantum technology—from quantum computers and simulators to secure communication and metrology—have not only opened up a whole new world of practical applications but also
changed our understanding of quantum theory itself. For the first time, this text introduces quantum theory entirely from this new perspective. Since it
requires only minimal mathematics and virtually no prior knowledge of physics, it is also accessible to younger undergraduates and students of neighbouring disciplines.
The text offers a unique blend of insights into both the physical foundations and the practical application of quantum theory. It explains why, and how, the peculiar features of quantum theory may be harnessed to tackle information-processing tasks that are intractable or even impossible classically. The clear exposition of the underlying concepts is complemented by a wealth of classroom-tested, and at times unconventional, exercises.
The book is ideally suited both as a text for an undergraduate or beginning graduate course, and as a self-contained tutorial guide for students of physics, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, and engineering.
Oxford University Press, 2017
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Statistical physics and thermodynamics describe the behaviour of systems on the macroscopic scale. Their methods are applicable to a wide range of phenomena: from refrigerators to the interior of stars, from chemical reactions to magnetism. Indeed, of all physical laws, the laws of thermodynamics are perhaps the most universal. This text provides a concise yet thorough introduction to the key concepts which underlie statistical physics and thermodynamics.
It begins with a review of classical probability theory and quantum theory, as well as a careful discussion of the notions of information and entropy, prior to embarking on the development of statistical physics proper. The crucial steps leading from the microscopic to the macroscopic domain are rendered transparent. In particular, the laws of thermodynamics are shown to emerge as natural consequences of the statistical framework.
While the emphasis is on clarifying the basic concepts, the text also contains many applications and classroom-tested exercises, covering all major topics of a standard course on statistical physics and thermodynamics.