Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Cambridge University Press eBooks

Nonequilibrium Quantum Field Theory

Esteban Calzetta, B. L. Hu

Published Jul 24, 2008• 494 citations
Publisher

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1017/cbo9780511535123

Related papers

Nonequilibrium Quantum Field Theory

Esteban Calzetta, B. L. Hu

Bringing together the key ideas from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and powerful methodology from quantum field theory, this 2008 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 are applied to 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. This self-contained book is a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in particle physics, gravitation, cosmology, atomic-optical and condensed matter physics. It has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Nov 4, 2022•145 citations

Condensed Matter Field Theory

Alexander Altland, Benjamin D. Simons

Modern experimental developments in condensed matter and ultracold atom physics present formidable challenges to theorists. This book provides a pedagogical introduction to quantum field theory in many-particle physics, emphasizing the applicability of the formalism to concrete problems. This second edition contains two new chapters developing path integral approaches to classical and quantum nonequilibrium phenomena. Other chapters cover a range of topics, from the introduction of many-body techniques and functional integration, to renormalization group methods, the theory of response functions, and topology. Conceptual aspects and formal methodology are emphasized, but the discussion focuses on practical experimental applications drawn largely from condensed matter physics and neighboring fields. Extended and challenging problems with fully worked solutions provide a bridge between formal manipulations and research-oriented thinking. Aimed at elevating graduate students to a level where they can engage in independent research, this book complements graduate level courses on many-particle theory.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Mar 11, 2010•1,601 citations

Basic issues in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Esteban Calzetta, B. L. Hu

Perhaps due to its technical complexity, oftentimes one sees in research papers on nonequilibrium quantum field theory (NEqQFT) more emphasis placed on the field-theoretical formalisms than the ideas these sophisticated techniques attempt to capture, or the issues such problems embody. All the more so, we need some basic understanding of the important issues and concepts in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics (NEqSM), and how they are manifested in the context of quantum field theory. Many important advances in this field came from asking such questions and finding out how to answer them in the language of quantum field theory. Because of this somewhat skewed existing emphasis in NEqQFT, and since we do not assume the reader to have had a formal course on NEqSM before, we shall give a brief summary of the basic concepts of NEqSM relevant to the field-theoretical processes discussed in this book. Many fine monographs and reviews written on this subject take a more formal mathematical approach. approach. Since our purpose here is to familiarize readers with these issues and their subtleties, rather than training them to work in the rich field of NEqSM (which includes in addition to the traditional subject matter such as the projection operator formalism and open system concepts, also current topics at their foundation, such as dynamical systems and quantum chaos), we choose to approach these topics in a more intuitive and physical way, sacrificing by necessity rigor and completeness.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Jul 24, 2008•0 citations

Condensed Matter Field Theory

Alexander Altland, Benjamin D. Simons

The methods of quantum field theory underpin many conceptual advances in contemporary condensed matter physics and neighbouring fields. This book provides a praxis-oriented and pedagogical introduction to quantum field theory in many-particle physics, emphasizing the application of theory to real physical systems. This third edition is organized into two parts: the first half of the text presents a streamlined introduction, elevating readers to a level where they can engage with contemporary research literature, from the introduction of many-body techniques and functional integration to renormalization group methods, and the second half addresses a range of advanced topics including modern aspects of gauge theory, topological and relativistic quantum matter, and condensed matter physics out of thermal equilibrium. At all stages, the text seeks a balance between methodological aspects of quantum field theory and practical applications. Extended problems with worked solutions provide a bridge between formal theory and a research-oriented approach.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Aug 23, 2023•256 citations

Nonequilibrium Phenomena in Strongly Correlated Systems

David Bernhard Blaschke, Alexandra V. Friesen, V. G. Morozov +2 more

The book is devoted to the fundamental aspects of the non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of many-particle systems. The concept of Zubarev's approach, which generalizes the notion of Gibbs' ensembles, and introduces a nonequilibrium statistical operator, providing an adequate basis for dealing with strongly correlated systems that are governed by nonperturbative phenomena, such as the formation of bound states, quantum condensates and the instability of the vacuum. Besides a general introduction to the formalism, this book contains contributions devoted to the applications of Zubarev's method to the solution of modern problems in different fields of physics: transport theory, hydrodynamics, high-energy physics, quark-gluon plasma and hadron production in heavy-ion collisions. The book provides valuable information for researchers and students in these fields, requiring powerful concepts to solve fundamental problems of non-equilibrium phenomena in strongly

MDPI eBooks•Sep 28, 2020•1 citation

Field Theory of Non-Equilibrium Systems

Alex Kamenev

The physics of non-equilibrium many-body systems is a rapidly expanding area of theoretical physics. Traditionally employed in laser physics and superconducting kinetics, these techniques have more recently found applications in the dynamics of cold atomic gases, mesoscopic and nano-mechanical systems, and quantum computation. This book provides a detailed presentation of modern non-equilibrium field-theoretical methods, applied to examples ranging from biophysics to the kinetics of superfluids and superconductors. A highly pedagogical and self-contained approach is adopted within the text, making it ideal as a reference for graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics. In this Second Edition, the text has been substantially updated to include recent developments in the field such as driven-dissipative quantum systems, kinetics of fermions with Berry curvature, and Floquet kinetics of periodically driven systems, among many other important new topics. Problems have been added throughout, structured as compact guided research projects that encourage independent exploration.

Cambridge University Press eBooks•Jan 15, 2023•382 citations
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.
Bringing together the key ideas from nonequilibrium statistical mechanics and powerful methodology from quantum field theory, this 2008 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 are applied to 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. This self-contained book is a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in particle physics, gravitation, cosmology, atomic-optical and condensed matter physics. It has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.
Modern experimental developments in condensed matter and ultracold atom physics present formidable challenges to theorists. This book provides a pedagogical introduction to quantum field theory in many-particle physics, emphasizing the applicability of the formalism to concrete problems. This second edition contains two new chapters developing path integral approaches to classical and quantum nonequilibrium phenomena. Other chapters cover a range of topics, from the introduction of many-body techniques and functional integration, to renormalization group methods, the theory of response functions, and topology. Conceptual aspects and formal methodology are emphasized, but the discussion focuses on practical experimental applications drawn largely from condensed matter physics and neighboring fields. Extended and challenging problems with fully worked solutions provide a bridge between formal manipulations and research-oriented thinking. Aimed at elevating graduate students to a level where they can engage in independent research, this book complements graduate level courses on many-particle theory.
Perhaps due to its technical complexity, oftentimes one sees in research papers on nonequilibrium quantum field theory (NEqQFT) more emphasis placed on the field-theoretical formalisms than the ideas these sophisticated techniques attempt to capture, or the issues such problems embody. All the more so, we need some basic understanding of the important issues and concepts in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics (NEqSM), and how they are manifested in the context of quantum field theory. Many important advances in this field came from asking such questions and finding out how to answer them in the language of quantum field theory. Because of this somewhat skewed existing emphasis in NEqQFT, and since we do not assume the reader to have had a formal course on NEqSM before, we shall give a brief summary of the basic concepts of NEqSM relevant to the field-theoretical processes discussed in this book. Many fine monographs and reviews written on this subject take a more formal mathematical approach. approach. Since our purpose here is to familiarize readers with these issues and their subtleties, rather than training them to work in the rich field of NEqSM (which includes in addition to the traditional subject matter such as the projection operator formalism and open system concepts, also current topics at their foundation, such as dynamical systems and quantum chaos), we choose to approach these topics in a more intuitive and physical way, sacrificing by necessity rigor and completeness.
The methods of quantum field theory underpin many conceptual advances in contemporary condensed matter physics and neighbouring fields. This book provides a praxis-oriented and pedagogical introduction to quantum field theory in many-particle physics, emphasizing the application of theory to real physical systems. This third edition is organized into two parts: the first half of the text presents a streamlined introduction, elevating readers to a level where they can engage with contemporary research literature, from the introduction of many-body techniques and functional integration to renormalization group methods, and the second half addresses a range of advanced topics including modern aspects of gauge theory, topological and relativistic quantum matter, and condensed matter physics out of thermal equilibrium. At all stages, the text seeks a balance between methodological aspects of quantum field theory and practical applications. Extended problems with worked solutions provide a bridge between formal theory and a research-oriented approach.
The book is devoted to the fundamental aspects of the non-equilibrium statistical mechanics of many-particle systems. The concept of Zubarev's approach, which generalizes the notion of Gibbs' ensembles, and introduces a nonequilibrium statistical operator, providing an adequate basis for dealing with strongly correlated systems that are governed by nonperturbative phenomena, such as the formation of bound states, quantum condensates and the instability of the vacuum. Besides a general introduction to the formalism, this book contains contributions devoted to the applications of Zubarev's method to the solution of modern problems in different fields of physics: transport theory, hydrodynamics, high-energy physics, quark-gluon plasma and hadron production in heavy-ion collisions. The book provides valuable information for researchers and students in these fields, requiring powerful concepts to solve fundamental problems of non-equilibrium phenomena in strongly
The physics of non-equilibrium many-body systems is a rapidly expanding area of theoretical physics. Traditionally employed in laser physics and superconducting kinetics, these techniques have more recently found applications in the dynamics of cold atomic gases, mesoscopic and nano-mechanical systems, and quantum computation. This book provides a detailed presentation of modern non-equilibrium field-theoretical methods, applied to examples ranging from biophysics to the kinetics of superfluids and superconductors. A highly pedagogical and self-contained approach is adopted within the text, making it ideal as a reference for graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics. In this Second Edition, the text has been substantially updated to include recent developments in the field such as driven-dissipative quantum systems, kinetics of fermions with Berry curvature, and Floquet kinetics of periodically driven systems, among many other important new topics. Problems have been added throughout, structured as compact guided research projects that encourage independent exploration.