Quantum field theory for nonequilibrium phase transitions

K. Dunnett, Marzena Hanna Szymańska

We develop a quantum field theory for parametrically pumped polaritons using Keldysh Green's function techniques with which the occupations of the excitation spectra can be calculated. By considering the mean field and Gaussian fluctuations, we find that the highly nonequilibrium phase transition to the optical parametric oscillator regime is in some ways similar to equilibrium condensation. In particular, we show that this phase transition can be associated with an effective chemical potential, at which the system's bosonic distribution function diverges, and an effective temperature for low energy modes. As in equilibrium systems, the transition is achieved by tuning this effective chemical potential to the energy of the lowest normal mode. Since the nonequilibrium occupations of the modes are available, we determine experimentally observable properties such as the luminescence and absorption spectra.

Arturo Amador

Ricardo Puebla

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.

Esteban A. Calzetta, B. L. Hu

Esteban Calzetta, B. L. Hu

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.