Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Abstract

In Nanotechnology we are concerned with natural and synthetic materials in the size range of ∼1–100 nm. At such a small size, very familiar classical, Newtonian mechanics or thermodynamics are not able to explain the observed properties of materials. We have to use quantum mechanics sometimes directly and sometimes through subjects like solid state physics or chemistry which use it to explain the properties and phenomenon of different materials. Those of you who are familiar with quantum mechanics and solid state physics can skip this and the next chapter and directly go to the third chapter. For those who would like to start new, let us discuss first the need of quantum mechanics and how it got developed so that it can be used to understand atoms, molecules, solids and nanomaterials. Box 1.1 gives some historical milestones, which have led to quantum mechanics.