Quantum Field Theory of Non-equilibrium States

Quantum field theoretical applications for graduate students in statistical mechanics and condensed matter physics.

Jørgen Rammer (Author)

9780521874991, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 July 2007

552 pages
25.4 x 18.1 x 3 cm, 1.23 kg

Review of the hardback: 'The information is there, well presented and comprehensive… ' Contemporary Physics

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.

Preface
1. Quantum fields
2. Operators on the multi-particle state space
3. Quantum dynamics and Green's functions
4. Non-equilibrium theory
5. Real-time formalism
6. Linear response theory
7. Quantum kinetic equations
8. Non-equilibrium superconductivity
9. Diagrammatics and generating functionals
10. Effective action
11. Disordered conductors
12. Classical statistical dynamics
Appendices: A. Path integrals
B. Retarded and advanced propagators
C. Analytic properties of Green's functions
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC], Dynamics & statics [PHDT]