The Stability of Matter in Quantum Mechanics
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 11/5/2009
EAN 9780521191180, ISBN10: 0521191181
Hardcover, 310 pages, 25.4 x 18 x 2 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
Research into the stability of matter has been one of the most successful chapters in mathematical physics, and is a prime example of how modern mathematics can be applied to problems in physics. A unique account of the subject, this book provides a complete, self-contained description of research on the stability of matter problem. It introduces the necessary quantum mechanics to mathematicians, and aspects of functional analysis to physicists. The topics covered include electrodynamics of classical and quantized fields, Lieb-Thirring and other inequalities in spectral theory, inequalities in electrostatics, stability of large Coulomb systems, gravitational stability of stars, basics of equilibrium statistical mechanics, and the existence of the thermodynamic limit. The book is an up-to-date account for researchers, and its pedagogical style makes it suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematical physics.
Preface
1. Prologue
2. Introduction to elementary quantum mechanics and stability of the first kind
3. Many-particle systems and stability of the second kind
4. Lieb–Thirring and related inequalities
5. Electrostatic inequalities
6. An estimation of the indirect part of the Coulomb energy
7. Stability of non-relativistic matter
8. Stability of relativistic matter
9. Magnetic fields and the Pauli operator
10. The Dirac operator and the Brown–Ravenhall model
11. Quantized electromagnetic fields and stability of matter
12. The ionization problem, and the dependence of the energy on N and M separately
13. Gravitational stability of white dwarfs and neutron stars
14. The thermodynamic limit for Coulomb systems
References
Index.
'This is an outstanding book which will be used both for research and for teaching. It will make an excellent text for a graduate course in either a physics or mathematics department. Physics students will learn to appreciate the beauty and relevance of mathematics and vice versa. The authors are leaders in the field. Their book not only describes important results but also makes them exciting.' Joel Lebowitz, Rutgers University