Quantum Physics of Light and Matter: A Modern Introduction to Photons, Atoms and Many-Body Systems

Piers Coleman

A modern, graduate-level introduction to many-body physics in condensed matter, this textbook explains the tools and concepts needed for a research-level understanding of the correlated behavior of quantum fluids. Starting with an operator-based introduction to the quantum field theory of many-body physics, this textbook presents the Feynman diagram approach, Green's functions and finite-temperature many-body physics before developing the path integral approach to interacting systems. Special chapters are devoted to the concepts of Fermi liquid theory, broken symmetry, conduction in disordered systems, superconductivity and the physics of local-moment metals. A strong emphasis on concepts and numerous exercises make this an invaluable course book for graduate students in condensed matter physics. It will also interest students in nuclear, atomic and particle physics.

Luca Salasnich

Wolfgang Demtröder

F. Intravaia, Diego A. R. Dalvit, Kurt Busch

Fluctuation-induced phenomena are ubiquitous manifestations of the statistical and/or quantum nature of a system. They are present in many areas of physics ranging from quantum optics to gravity, from statistical physics to cosmology and include a multitude of interdisciplinary topics. The exact knowledge of these phenomena is rapidly becoming important for the characterization of modern experimental set-ups and has important implications in a wide range of distinct disciplines. This feature issue gives a modern inside view of this exciting multidisciplinary field of research, from the perspective of photonics systems. It collects papers that feature fluctuations in light-matter interactions as a common Leitmotiv, covering areas of quantum/atom optics with strong impact in fundamental science as well as in numerous technological applications.

Luca Salasnich

J. J. Brehm, William J. Mullin

Relativity photons introduction to the atom matter waves quantum mechanics quantization of angular momentum the one-electron atom spin and magnetic interactions complex atoms molecules quantum statistical physics solids superfluids and superconductors properties and models of the nucleus nuclear processes elementary particles.