Quantum stochastic calculus and representations of Lie superalgebras

Sample

Jean-Marie Souriau

This book is addressed to graduate students and researchers in mathematics and physics who are interested in mathematical and theoretical physics, symplectic geometry, mechanics, and (geometric) quantization. The aim of the book is to treat all three basic theories of physics, namely, classical mechanics, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics from the same perspective, that of symplectic geometry, thus showing the unifying power of the symplectic geometric approach. Reading this book will give the reader a deep understanding of the interrelationships between the three basic theories of physics. The first tow chapters provide the necessary mathematical background in differential geometry, Lie groups, and symplectic geometry. In Chapter 3 a coherent symplectic description of Galilean and relativistic mechanics is given, culminating in the classification of elementary particles (relativistic and non-relativistic, with or without spin, with or without mass). In Chapter 4 statistical mechanics is put into symplectic form, finishing with a symplectic description of the kinetic theory of gases and the computation of specific heats. Finally, in Chapter 5 the author presents his theory of geometric quantization. Highlights of this chapter are the derivations of various wave equations and the construction of the Fock space.

Sample

N.P. Landsman, M. Pflaum, M. Schlichenmaier

This is the first exposition of the quantization theory of singular symplectic (i.e., Marsden-Weinstein) quotients and their applications to physics in book form. A preface by J. Marsden and A. Weinstein precedes individual refereed contributions by M.T. Benameur and V. Nistor, M. Braverman, A. Cattaneo and G. Felder, B. Fedosov, J. Huebschmann, N.P. Landsman, R. Lauter and V. Nistor, M. Pflaum, M. Schlichenmaier, V. Schomerus, B. Schroers, and A. Sengupta. This book is intended for mathematicians and mathematical physicists working in quantization theory, algebraic, symplectic, and Poisson geometry, the analysis and geometry of stratified spaces, pseudodifferential operators, low-dimensional topology, operator algebras, noncommutative geometry, or Lie groupoids, and for theoretical physicists interested in quantum gravity and topological quantum field theory. The subject matter provides a remarkable area of interaction between all these fields, highlighted in the example of the moduli space of flat connections, which is discussed in detail. The reader will acquire an introduction to the various techniques used in this area, as well as an overview of the latest research approaches. These involve classical differential and algebraic geometry, as well as operator algebras and noncommutative geometry. Thus one will be amply prepared to follow future developments in this fascinating and expanding field, or enter it oneself. It is to be expected that the quantization of singular spaces will become a key theme in 21st century (concommutative) geometry.

Sample

Kai S Lam

"This textbook is mainly for physics students at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels, especially those with a theoretical inclination. Its chief purpose is to give a systematic introduction to the main ingredients of the fundamentals of quantum theory, with special emphasis on those aspects of group theory (spacetime and permutational symmetries and group representations) and differential geometry (geometrical phases, topological quantum numbers, and Chern-Simons Theory) that are relevant in modern developments of the subject. It will provide students with an overview of key elements of the theory, as well as a solid preparation in calculational techniques."--BOOK JACKET.

Sample

A.O. Bolivar

At what level of physical existence does "quantum behavior" begin? How does it develop from classical mechanics? This book addresses these questions and thereby sheds light on fundamental conceptual problems of quantum mechanics. Quantum-Classical Correspondence elucidates the problem by developing a procedure for quantizing stochastic systems (e.g. Brownian systems) described by Fokker-Planck equations. The logical consistency of the scheme is then verified by taking the classical limit of the equations of motion and corresponding physical quantities. Perhaps equally important, conceptual problems concerning the relationship between classical and quantum physics are identified and discussed. Physical scientists will find this an accessible entrée to an intriguing and thorny issue at the core of modern physics.