Picturing Quantum Processes: A First Course in Quantum Theory and Diagrammatic Reasoning

by Bob Coecke, Aleks Kissinger

The unique features of the quantum world are explained in this book through the language of diagrams, setting out an innovative visual method for presenting complex theories. Requiring only basic mathematical literacy, this book employs a unique formalism that builds an intuitive understanding of quantum features while eliminating the need for complex calculations. This entirely diagrammatic presentation of quantum theory represents the culmination of ten years of research, uniting classical techniques in linear algebra and Hilbert spaces with cutting-edge developments in quantum computation and foundations. Written in an entertaining and user-friendly style and including more than one hundred exercises, this book is an ideal first course in quantum theory, foundations, and computation for students from undergraduate to PhD level, as well as an opportunity for researchers from a broad range of fields, from physics to biology, linguistics, and cognitive science, to discover a new set of tools for studying processes and interaction.

Genres: Physics, Science, Mathematics, Textbooks, Computer Science, Logic, Academic

868 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2017

Reviews

[Shehryar Saroya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new notation in this book is its great selling point. It uses formal stringy diagrams, instead of algebraic letters - where you move around shapes instead of shuffling equations.

I'm a strong supporter of diagrammatic notations - I think the shift from Roman numerals to Hindu/Arabic ones was hugely useful for guiding mathematical insight. Similarly, I think it's time we develop notations that aren't limited to the things we can do on a 1D typewriter.

I found this a very comfortable introduction to Quantum Theory/Computing, and I think the ease is attributable largely to how much more intuitive diagrams are than matrices and bra kets.

[Christopher Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the diagrammatic approach. Seeing the diagrams make them more accessible than Dirac notation or matrices. The derivations would have been more meaningful if I understood quantum mechanics. It feels like Dave the Dodo was added in after the fact to make the mood lighter.

[Benji · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take a look at the beautiful house that (the scaffold of) applied category theory built.