Rammer J. Quantum Field Theory of Non-Equilibrium States

Cambridge University Press, 2011. — 552 p. — ISBN: 9780521188005.This text introduces the real-time approach to non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and the quantum field theory of non-equilibrium states in general. After a lucid introduction to quantum field theory and Green’s functions, Schwinger’s closed time path technique is developed, followed eventually by the real-time formulation and its Feynman diagram technique. The formalism is employed to derive quantum kinetic equations by using the quasi-classical Green’s function technique, and is applied to study renormalization effects, non-equilibrium superconductivity, and quantum effects in disordered conductors.
The book offers two ways of learning how to study non-equilibrium states of many-body systems: the mathematical, canonical way, and an intuitive way using Feynman diagrams. The latter provides an easy introduction to the powerful functional methods of field theory. The usefulness of Feynman diagrams, even in a classical context, is shown by studies of classical stochastic dynamics such as vortex dynamics in disordered superconductors. The book demonstrates that quantum fields and Feynman diagrams are the universal language for studying fluctuations, be they of quantum or thermal origin, or even purely statistical.
Complete with numerous exercises to aid self-study, this textbook is suitable for graduate students in statistical mechanics, condensed matter physics, and quantum field theory in general.Offers two ways of learning how to study non-equilibrium states of many-body systems.
Presents the universal real-time formulation of non-equilibrium states and the corresponding Feynman diagram presentation.
Shows a multitude of applications.Jørgen Rammer is a professor in the Department of Physics at Ume˚a 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.Table of ContentsQuantum fields
Operators on the multi-particle state space
Quantum dynamics and Green's functions
Non-equilibrium theory
Real-time formalism
Linear response theory
Quantum kinetic equations
Non-equilibrium superconductivity
Diagrammatics and generating functionals
Effective action
Disordered conductors
Classical statistical dynamics
Appendices:
Path integrals
Retarded and advanced propagators
Analytic properties of Green's functions