Quantum Field Theory and Critical Phenomena

Quantum Field Theory and Critical Phenomena
Author: Jean Zinn-Justin
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 1034
Release: 1993
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN:

Describes particle physics and critical phenomena in statistical mechanics in a unified framework, incorporating graduate lecture notes from the 1970s and 1980s at several universities in Europe and the US. Deals with general field theory, functional integrals, and functional methods; renormalization properties of theories with symmetries and specific applications to particle physics; lattice gauge theories and asymptotic freedom in four dimensions; and the role of instantons and the application of instanton calculus to the large-order behavior of perturbation theory and the problem of summation of the perturbative expansion. Several chapters close with exercise, solutions or hints for which are provided. No dates are noted for the previous editions. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics
Author: P. J. E. Peebles
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 434
Release: 2020-09-15
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0691206732

The classic textbook on quantum mechanics from Nobel Prize–winning physicist P. J. E. Peebles This book explains the often counterintuitive physics of quantum mechanics, unlocking this key area of physics for students by enabling them to work through detailed applications of general concepts and ideas. P. J. E. Peebles states general principles first in terms of wave mechanics and then in the standard abstract linear space formalism. He offers a detailed discussion of measurement theory—an essential feature of quantum mechanics—and emphasizes the art of numerical estimates. Along the way, Peebles provides a wealth of physical examples together with numerous problems, some easy, some challenging, but all of them selected because they are physically interesting. Quantum Mechanics is an essential resource for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in physics.

What Is Real?

What Is Real?
Author: Adam Becker
Publisher: Basic Books
Total Pages: 389
Release: 2018-03-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0465096069

"A thorough, illuminating exploration of the most consequential controversy raging in modern science." --New York Times Book Review An Editor's Choice, New York Times Book Review Longlisted for PEN/E.O. Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing Longlisted for Goodreads Choice Award Every physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity's finest scientific achievements. But ask what it means, and the result will be a brawl. For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr's solipsistic and poorly reasoned Copenhagen interpretation. Indeed, questioning it has long meant professional ruin, yet some daring physicists, such as John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett, persisted in seeking the true meaning of quantum mechanics. What Is Real? is the gripping story of this battle of ideas and the courageous scientists who dared to stand up for truth. "An excellent, accessible account." --Wall Street Journal "Splendid. . . . Deeply detailed research, accompanied by charming anecdotes about the scientists." --Washington Post

Quantum Phenomena in Simple Optical Systems

Quantum Phenomena in Simple Optical Systems
Author: Saribek Gevorgyan
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Total Pages: 286
Release: 2020-01-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1527545881

This book explores the modern problems of quantum optics, and shows that, in simple optical systems, it is possible to obtain quantum states that are interesting from the point of view of modern quantum physics and quantum optics. In particular, the quantum behavior of the second and third harmonics and subharmonics generation processes is investigated, highlighting that, in subharmonic processes, it is possible to obtain Schrödinger’s cat-type states of light, which are one of the main problems of quantum physics. The book uses few formulas and mathematical conclusions, opting instead for a large amount of graphic material, in order to make the concepts explored easier to understand. It will be of interest to scientists working in quantum optics, as well as teachers and students of physics.

Quantum Aspects of Life

Quantum Aspects of Life
Author: Derek Abbott
Publisher: World Scientific
Total Pages: 469
Release: 2008
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1848162677

A quantum origin of life? -- Quantum mechanics and emergence -- Quantum coherence and the search for the first replicator -- Ultrafast quantum dynamics in photosynthesis -- Modelling quantum decoherence in biomolecules -- Molecular evolution -- Memory depends on the cytoskeleton, but is it quantum? -- Quantum metabolism and allometric scaling relations in biology -- Spectroscopy of the genetic code -- Towards understanding the origin of genetic languages -- Can arbitrary quantum systems undergo self-replication? -- A semi-quantum version of the game of life -- Evolutionary stability in quantum games -- Quantum transmemetic intelligence -- Dreams versus reality : plenary debate session on quantum computing -- Plenary debate: quantum effects in biology : trivial or not? -- Nontrivial quantum effects in biology : a skeptical physicists' view -- That's life! : the geometry of p electron clouds.

Quantum Mechanics and Its Emergent Macrophysics

Quantum Mechanics and Its Emergent Macrophysics
Author: Geoffrey Sewell
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 305
Release: 2002-08-18
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0691058326

The quantum theory of macroscopic systems is a vast, ever-developing area of science that serves to relate the properties of complex physical objects to those of their constituent particles. Its essential challenge is that of finding the conceptual structures needed for the description of the various states of organization of many-particle quantum systems. In this book, Geoffrey Sewell provides a new approach to the subject, based on a "macrostatistical mechanics," which contrasts sharply with the standard microscopic treatments of many-body problems. Sewell begins by presenting the operator algebraic framework for the theory. He then undertakes a macrostatistical treatment of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which yields a major new characterization of a complete set of thermodynamic variables and a nonlinear generalization of the Onsager theory. The remainder of the book focuses on ordered and chaotic structures that arise in some key areas of condensed matter physics. This includes a general derivation of superconductive electrodynamics from the assumptions of off-diagonal long-range order, gauge covariance, and thermodynamic stability, which avoids the enormous complications of the microscopic treatments. Sewell also unveils a theoretical framework for phase transitions far from thermal equilibrium. Throughout, the mathematics is kept clear without sacrificing rigor. Representing a coherent approach to the vast problem of the emergence of macroscopic phenomena from quantum mechanics, this well-written book is addressed to physicists, mathematicians, and other scientists interested in quantum theory, statistical physics, thermodynamics, and general questions of order and chaos.

The Physics of Quantum Mechanics

The Physics of Quantum Mechanics
Author: James Binney
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 408
Release: 2013-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0199688575

This title gives students a good understanding of how quantum mechanics describes the material world. The text stresses the continuity between the quantum world and the classical world, which is merely an approximation to the quantum world.

The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics

The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics
Author: Daniel F. Styer
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2000-02-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1316101878

This is an exceptionally accessible, accurate, and non-technical introduction to quantum mechanics. After briefly summarizing the differences between classical and quantum behaviour, this engaging account considers the Stern-Gerlach experiment and its implications, treats the concepts of probability, and then discusses the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox and Bell's theorem. Quantal interference and the concept of amplitudes are introduced and the link revealed between probabilities and the interference of amplitudes. Quantal amplitude is employed to describe interference effects. Final chapters explore exciting new developments in quantum computation and cryptography, discover the unexpected behaviour of a quantal bouncing-ball, and tackle the challenge of describing a particle with no position. Thought-provoking problems and suggestions for further reading are included. Suitable for use as a course text, The Strange World of Quantum Mechanics enables students to develop a genuine understanding of the domain of the very small. It will also appeal to general readers seeking intellectual adventure.

Statistical Physics of Non Equilibrium Quantum Phenomena

Statistical Physics of Non Equilibrium Quantum Phenomena
Author: Yves Pomeau
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 232
Release: 2019-11-29
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3030343944

This book provides an introduction to topics in non-equilibrium quantum statistical physics for both mathematicians and theoretical physicists. The first part introduces a kinetic equation, of Kolmogorov type, which is needed to describe an isolated atom (actually, in experiments, an ion) under the effect of a classical pumping electromagnetic field which keeps the atom in its excited state(s) together with the random emission of fluorescence photons which put it back into its ground state. The quantum kinetic theory developed in the second part is an extension of Boltzmann's classical (non-quantum) kinetic theory of a dilute gas of quantum bosons. This is the source of many interesting fundamental questions, particularly because, if the temperature is low enough, such a gas is known to have at equilibrium a transition, the Bose–Einstein transition, where a finite portion of the particles stay in the quantum ground state. An important question considered is how a Bose gas condensate develops in time if its energy is initially low enough.