Synopses & Reviews
Essential ideas and methods behind current applications of variational theory in theoretical physics and chemistry.
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 205-223) and index.
Synopsis
A thorough introduction to variational theory as applied to physics and chemistry, introducing the fundamental mathematical concepts and applications, providing the reader with a critical understanding of context and methodology. Amongst other topics, the book covers current computational methods in quantum theory and discusses the methodology underlying density functional theory.
Table of Contents
Preface; Part I. Classical Mathematics and Physics: 1. History of variational theory; 2. Classical mechanics; 3. Applied mathematics; Part II. Bound States in Quantum Mechanics: 4. Time-independent quantum mechanics; 5. Independent-electron models; 6. Time-dependent theory and linear response; Part III. Continuum States and Scattering Theory: 7. Multiple scattering theory for molecules and solids; 8. Variational methods for continuum states; 9. Electron-impact rovibrational excitation of molecules; Part IV. Field Theories: 10. Relativistic Lagrangian theories.