Quantum Mechanics

The English translation of Osnovy kvantovol mekhaniki has been made from the third and fourth Russian editions. These contained a number of important additions and changes as compared with the first two editions. The main additions concern collision theory, and applications of quantum mechanics to the theory of the atomic nucleus and to the theory of elementary particles. The development of these branches in recent years, resulting from the very rapid progress made in nuclear physics, has been so great that such additions need scarcely be defended. Some additions relating to methods have also been made, for example concerning the quasiclassical approxi­ mation, the theory of the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and several other matters with which the modern physicist needs to be acquainted. The alterations that have been made involve not only the elimination of obviously out-of-date material but also the refinement of various formulations and statements. For these refinements I am indebted to many persons who at different times have expressed to me their critical comments and suggestions. Particularly important changes have been made regarding the definition of a quantum ensemble in Section 14.