Teaching Feynman’s sum-over-paths quantum theory

Abstract

We outline an introduction to quantum mechanics based on the sum-over-paths method originated by Richard P. Feynman. Students use software with a graphics interface to model sums associated with multiple paths for photons and electrons, leading to the concepts of electron wavefunction, the propagator, bound states, and stationary states. Material in the first portion of this outline has been tried with an audience of high-school science teachers. These students were enthusiastic about the treatment, and we feel that it has promise for the education of physicists and other scientists, as well as for distribution to a wider audience. © 1998 American Institute of Physics.