Dynamics of Charged Particles and their Radiation Field

A self-contained introduction to classical electron theory and non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics.

Herbert Spohn (Author)

9780521037075, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 21 June 2007

380 pages, 16 b/w illus.
24.5 x 16.9 x 2.3 cm, 0.612 kg

'… Herbert Spohn's book … covers both the classical and quantum theories of a charged particle coupled to its own field … One of the most useful resources in Spohn's book are the historical notes and literature reviews that are inserted at the end of each chapter. … I am grateful that the author made the effort to collect this information for the benefit of his readers.' Classical and Quantum Gravity

This book provides a self-contained and systematic introduction to classical electron theory and its quantization, non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics. The first half of the book covers the classical theory. It discusses the well-defined Abraham model of extended charges in interaction with the electromagnetic field, and gives a study of the effective dynamics of charges under the condition that, on the scale given by the size of the charge distribution, they are far apart and the applied potentials vary slowly. The second half covers the quantum theory, leading to a coherent presentation of non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics. Topics discussed include non-perturbative properties of the basic Hamiltonian, the structure of resonances, the relaxation to the ground state through emission of photons, the non-perturbative derivation of the g-factor of the electron and the stability of matter.

Preface
List of symbols
1. Scope, motivation and orientation
Part I. Classical Theory: 2. A charge coupled to its electromagnetic field
3. Historical notes
4. The energy-momentum relation
5. Long-time asymptotics
6. Adiabatic limit
7. Self-force
8. Comparison dynamics
9. The Lorentz-Dirac equation
10. Spinning charges
11. Many charges
12. Summary and preamble to the quantum theory
Part II. Quantum Theory: 13. Quantizing the Abraham model
14. The statistical mechanics connection
15. States of lowest energy: statics
16. States of lowest energy: dynamics
17. Radiation
18. Relaxation at finite temperatures
19. Behaviour at very large and very small distances
20. Many charges, stability of matter
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Particle & high-energy physics [PHP]