Nonequilibrium Quantum Field Theory (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)
Cambridge University Press, 7/24/2008
EAN 9780521641685, ISBN10: 0521641683
Hardcover, 552 pages, 24.7 x 17.4 x 3.2 cm
Language: English
Bringing together the key ideas from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and powerful methodology from quantum field theory, this book captures the essence of nonequilibrium quantum field theory. Beginning with the foundational aspects of the theory, the book presents important concepts and useful techniques, discusses issues of basic interest, and shows how thermal field, linear response, kinetic theories and hydrodynamics emerge. It also illustrates how these concepts and methodology are applied to current research topics including nonequilibrium phase transitions, thermalization in relativistic heavy ion collisions, the nonequilibrium dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensation, and the generation of structures from quantum fluctuations in the early Universe. Divided into five parts, with each part addressing a particular stage in the conceptual and technical development of the subject, this self-contained book is a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in particle physics, gravitation, cosmology, atomic-optical and condensed matter physics.
Part I. Fundamentals of Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics
1. Basic issues in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics
2. Relaxation, dissipation, noise and fluctuations
3. Quantum open systems
Part II. Basics of Nonequilibrium Quantum Field Theory
4. Quantum fields on time-dependent backgrounds
particle creation
5. Open systems of interacting quantum fields
6. Functional methods in nonequilibrium QFT
Part III. Gauge Invariance, Dissipation, Entropy, Noise and Decoherence
7. Closed time path effective action for gauge theories
8. Dissipation and noise in mean field dynamics
9. Entropy generation and decoherence of quantum fields
Part IV. Thermal, Kinetic and Hydrodynamic Regimes
10. Thermal field and linear response theory
11. Quantum kinetic field theory
12. Hydrodynamics and thermalization
13. Nonequilibrium Bose-Einstein condensates
14. Nonequilibrium issues in RHICs and DCCs
15. Nonequilibrium quantum processes in the early universe
References
Index.
'... a very well written book which covers thoroughly various formalisms for studying nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and nonequilibrium.quantum field theory ... The authors have written many of the seminal papers and the book is a masterpiece of pedagogy, explaining and resolving very clearly many of the technical issues that had to be overcome in the development of this subject. It should prove essential reading to anyone venturing to work in this important new field.' Fred Cooper, Program Director Theoretical Physics, National Science Foundation