Journal of Mathematical Physics
Derivation of an exact quantum-mechanical formula for the second term in the activity expansion of the correlation function S (Q,ω)
R. E. Johnson, Noel K. Pope
Abstract
We derive an exact expression for the second term in the activity expansion of S (Q,ω), the Fourier transform of Van Hove’s correlation function, for a quantum system of bosons or fermions (spin neglected). The results for both the self and distinct parts of this function are given in terms of standard two-particle T matrices. The detailed-balance condition and zeroth and first moment relations are confirmed. An expression for the second term in the activity expansion of S (Q), the structure factor, is obtained. The derivation follows directly from the definition of S (Q,ω) using formal operator techniques; in addition, we show that the conserving T approximation for two-particle Green’s functions yields the same result.