Quantum Field Theory of Non-equilibrium States


Book Description

Quantum field theory is the application of quantum mechanics to systems with infinitely many degrees of freedom. This 2007 textbook presents quantum field theoretical applications to systems out of equilibrium. It introduces the real-time approach to non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and the quantum field theory of non-equilibrium states in general. It offers two ways of learning how to study non-equilibrium states of many-body systems: the mathematical canonical way and an easy intuitive way using Feynman diagrams. The latter provides an easy introduction to the powerful functional methods of field theory, and the use of Feynman diagrams to study classical stochastic dynamics is considered in detail. The developed real-time technique is applied to study numerous phenomena in many-body systems. Complete with numerous exercises to aid self-study, this textbook is suitable for graduate students in statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics.




Nonequilibrium Quantum Field Theory


Book Description

This 2008 book, reissued as OA, captures the essence of nonequilibrium quantum field theory, graduate students and researchers.




Field Theory of Non-Equilibrium Systems


Book Description

The physics of non-equilibrium many-body systems is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of theoretical physics. Traditionally used in the study of laser physics and superconducting kinetics, these techniques have more recently found applications in the study of dynamics of cold atomic gases, mesoscopic and nano-mechanical systems. The book gives a self-contained presentation of the modern functional approach to non-equilibrium field-theoretical methods. They are applied to examples ranging from biophysics to the kinetics of superfluids and superconductors. Its step-by-step treatment gives particular emphasis to the pedagogical aspects, making it ideal as a reference for advanced graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics.




Nonequilibrium Many-Body Theory of Quantum Systems


Book Description

The Green's function method is one of the most powerful and versatile formalisms in physics, and its nonequilibrium version has proved invaluable in many research fields. This book provides a unique, self-contained introduction to nonequilibrium many-body theory. Starting with basic quantum mechanics, the authors introduce the equilibrium and nonequilibrium Green's function formalisms within a unified framework called the contour formalism. The physical content of the contour Green's functions and the diagrammatic expansions are explained with a focus on the time-dependent aspect. Every result is derived step-by-step, critically discussed and then applied to different physical systems, ranging from molecules and nanostructures to metals and insulators. With an abundance of illustrative examples, this accessible book is ideal for graduate students and researchers who are interested in excited state properties of matter and nonequilibrium physics.




Critical Dynamics


Book Description

A comprehensive and unified introduction to describing and understanding complex interacting systems.




Quantum Gases


Book Description

This volume provides a broad overview of the principal theoretical techniques applied to non-equilibrium and finite temperature quantum gases. Covering Bose-Einstein condensates, degenerate Fermi gases, and the more recently realised exciton-polariton condensates, it fills a gap by linking between different methods with origins in condensed matter physics, quantum field theory, quantum optics, atomic physics, and statistical mechanics.




Nonequilibrium Gas Dynamics and Molecular Simulation


Book Description

7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Rotational Energy Exchange Models -- 7.2.1 Constant Collision Number -- 7.2.2 The Parker Model -- 7.2.3 Variable Probability Exchange Model of Boyd -- 7.2.4 Nonequilibrium Direction Dependent Model -- 7.2.5 Model Results -- 7.3 Vibrational Energy Exchange Models -- 7.3.1 Constant Collision Number -- 7.3.2 The Millikan-White Model -- 7.3.3 Quantized Treatment for Vibration -- 7.3.4 Model Results -- 7.4 Dissociation Chemical Reactions -- 7.4.1 Total Collision Energy Model -- 7.4.2 Redistribution of Energy Following a Dissociation Reaction -- 7.4.3 Vibrationally Favored Dissociation Model -- 7.5 General Chemical Reactions -- 7.5.1 Reaction Rates and Equilibrium Constant -- 7.5.2 Backward Reaction Rates in DSMC -- 7.5.3 Three-Body Recombination Reactions -- 7.5.4 Post-Reaction Energy Redistribution and General Implementation -- 7.5.5 DSMC Solutions for Reacting Flows -- 7.6 Summary -- Appendix A: Generating Particle Properties -- Appendix B: Collisional Quantities -- Appendix C: Determining Post-Collision Velocities -- Appendix D: Macroscopic Properties -- Appendix E: Common Integrals -- References -- Index




Nonequilibrium Dynamics of Collective Excitations in Quantum Materials


Book Description

This book studies the dynamics of fundamental collective excitations in quantum materials, focusing on the use of state-of-the-art ultrafast broadband optical spectroscopy. Collective behaviour in solids lies at the origin of several cooperative phenomena that can lead to profound transformations, instabilities and phase transitions. Revealing the dynamics of collective excitations is a topic of pivotal importance in contemporary condensed matter physics, as it provides information on the strength and spatial distribution of interactions and correlation. The experimental framework explored in this book relies on setting a material out-of-equilibrium by an ultrashort laser pulse and monitoring the photo-induced changes in its optical properties over a broad spectral region in the visible or deep-ultraviolet. Collective excitations (e.g. plasmons, excitons, phonons...) emerge either in the frequency domain as spectral features across the probed range, or in the time domain as coherent modes triggered by the pump pulse. Mapping the temporal evolution of these collective excitations provides access to the hierarchy of low-energy phenomena occurring in the solid during its path towards thermodynamic equilibrium. This methodology is used to investigate a number of strongly interacting and correlated materials with an increasing degree of internal complexity beyond conventional band theory.




Nonequilibrium Quantum Transport Physics In Nanosystems: Foundation Of Computational Nonequilibrium Physics In Nanoscience And Nanotechnology


Book Description

This book presents the first comprehensive treatment of discrete phase-space quantum mechanics and the lattice Weyl-Wigner formulation of energy band dynamics, by the originator of these theoretical techniques. The author's quantum superfield theoretical formulation of nonequilibrium quantum physics is given in real time, without the awkward use of artificial time contour employed in previous formulations. These two main quantum theoretical techniques combine to yield general (including quasiparticle-pairing dynamics) and exact quantum transport equations in phase-space, appropriate for nanodevices. The derivation of transport formulas in mesoscopic physics from the general quantum transport equations is also treated. Pioneering nanodevices are discussed in the light of the quantum-transport physics equations, and an in-depth treatment of the physics of resonant tunneling devices is given. Operator Hilbert-space methods and quantum tomography are discussed. Discrete phase-space quantum mechanics on finite fields is treated for completeness and by virtue of its relevance to quantum computing. The phenomenological treatment of evolution superoperator and measurements is given to help clarify the general quantum transport theory. Quantum computing and information theory is covered to demonstrate the foundational aspects of discrete quantum dynamics, particularly in deriving a complete set of multiparticle entangled basis states.




Condensed Matter Field Theory


Book Description

This primer is aimed at elevating graduate students of condensed matter theory to a level where they can engage in independent research. Topics covered include second quantisation, path and functional field integration, mean-field theory and collective phenomena.