Resources

Nothing like a good (printed) book to master a subject…

Here is a selection of introductory resources that were useful for me, with a preference for those that mix intuition with mathematics. *= more specialized reference.

Quantum entropies

• Trace Inequalities and Quantum Entropy* by E. Carlen (PDF)
  On the relations between the strong subadditivity, convex and monotone matrix functions, and trace inequalities.
• Quantum Information Processing with Finite Resources* by M. Tomamichel (PDF)
  Quantum (Renyi) divergences and their properties.

Convex optimisation

• Convex Optimisation by S. Boyd & L. Vanderberghe (PDF)
  Introduction to convex sets, convex problems, algorithms
• Lectures on Convex Optimisation* by Y. Nesterov
  Interior-point algorithms, self-concordant barriers

Invariant theory

• Algorithms in Invariant Theory by B. Sturmfels
  On polynomial invariants of groups. A modern treatement of a subject going back to the 19th century. See also this video

Computing

• Computational Complexity by S. Arora & B. Barak

Hardware

• Introductory Quantum Optics by C. Jerry & P. Knight
  Gaussian and non-Gaussian states, phase- vs. Fock-space representation.
• Circuit QED: superconducting qubits coupled to microwave photons by S. Girvin (PDF)
  I liked this introduction to superconducting circuits. For physicists.

Scientific writing/careers

• The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science by S. Montgommery
  Passionate reading, conveys a simple message of what is important in scientific writing.
• Clear and Simple as the Truth* by F-N. Thomas & M. Turner
  If you want to know what excellence in scientific writing looks like. NB: Hard to apply!
• A PhD Is Not Enough! A Guide to Survival in Science by P. Feibelman
  Nicely written, relevant for math-physics related fields