Quantum Field Theory of Non-equilibrium States

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.

Jorgen Rammer is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Umea University, Sweden. He has also worked in Denmark, Germany, Norway, Canada and the USA. His past research interests are partly reflected in the topics of this book; his main current interests are in decoherence and charge transport in nanostructures.

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