I read most of this book while researching two-dimensional spectroscopy methods because of the literature`s extensive use of the von Neumann equation for the density operator. The beginning of this book does a terrific job explaining the basis for use of the density matrix, with essentially a worked example of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. The mechanics of time evolution are also discussed in an informative manner, as well as polarization states and coupled systems. The rest of the book treats specific applications, and I have no real complaints on the actual content.



However, this book is FILLED with typographical errors, specifically in its equations. This is unfortunate, as the Dirac notation can look confusing at times even when it is typed correctly. Add in the possibility of missing a | or a > complicates the situation. So the content is good, but the read can be difficult to execute when second guessing or needing to correct the equations. 3.5/5



Update: I found another version of this at the library which does not contain the aforementioned errors, so I'm not sure if that was a certain print.