Lectures On Non Equilibrium Theory Of Condensed Matter

This book discusses in depth many of the key problems in non-equilibrium physics. Besides the standard subjects (Boltzmann and Master equations, linear response) it includes several new important subjects as well. The origin of macroscopic irreversible (dissipative) behavior receives an extended attention and is illustrated in the framework of solvable classical models of open systems (Chapter 3). The scaling relationship between the kinetic and hydrodynamical levels is described in Chapter 9. The QED of charged non-relativistic particles and its restriction to the states without photons to order 1/c² leading to the current-current magnetic interaction is discussed in some depth in Chapters 14 and 15. Bose-Einstein condensation in real time within the frame of rate equations, as well as soliton-like solutions of the non-linear Gross-Pitaevskii equation are discussed in Chapter 22. The presentation also includes the latest developments — quantum kinetics — related to modern ultrafast spectroscopy (Chapters 23-30).This second edition was improved, restructured, and enriched with new results from the recent papers of the author. Chapter 3 was largely extended and Chapters 14 and 15 are completely new. Chapter 22 has a new Section. Several new useful figures were added throughout the book as well.

This volume contains a collection of review articles on the current topics of non-equilibrium soft matter physics written by leading experts in the field. It deals with topics such as evaporation, structual rheology, and active matter.

Step-by-step treatment of the modern functional approach to non-equilibrium field-theoretical methods for graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics.

The Advanced School on Quantum Foundations and Open Quantum Systems was an exceptional combination of lectures. These comprise lectures in standard physics and investigations on the foundations of quantum physics.On the one hand it included lectures on quantum information, quantum open systems, quantum transport and quantum solid state. On the other hand it included lectures on quantum measurement, models for elementary particles, sub-quantum structures and aspects on the philosophy and principles of quantum physics.The special program of this school offered a broad outlook on the current and near future fundamental research in theoretical physics.The lectures are at the level of PhD students.

This book presents the lecture notes and exercises corresponding to the course "Quantum Field Theoretical Methods in Condensed Matter" that the authors imparted for several years as part of the masters program on Condensed Matter and Biological Systems at the Autonoma University of Madrid. It provides a step-by-step description of the material which will benefit not only professors wishing to undertake a similar task, but also interested students. Additionally, the book provides a complete set of exercises on the various topics along with hints about how to solve them, a feature frequently absent in textbooks on many-body techniques. As well as addressing the traditional topics in the field (diagrammatic techniques, screening in metals, Fermi liquid theory, electron-phonon interactions, etc.) the text also covers less conventional topics such as the application of non-equilibrium Green function techniques to quantum transport in normal and superconducting nanoscale devices.

Topological defects formed at symmetry-breaking phase transitions play an important role in many different fields of physics. They appear in many condensed-matter systems at low temperature; examples include vortices in superfluid helium-4, a rich variety of defects in helium-3, quantized mag netic flux tubes in type-II superconductors, and disclination lines and other defects in liquid crystals. In cosmology, unified gauge theories of particle interactions suggest a sequence of phase transitions in the very early uni verse some of which may lead to defect formation. In astrophysics, defects play an important role in the dynamics of neutron stars. In 1997 the European Science Foundation started the scientific network "Topological defects" headed by Tom Kibble. This network has provided us with a unique opportunity of establishing a collaboration between the representatives of these very different branches of modern physics. The NATO-ASI (Advanced Study Institute), held in Les Houches in February 1999 thanks to the support of the Scientific Division of NATO, the European Science Foundation and the CNRS, represents a key event of this ESF network. It brought together participants from widely different fields, with diverse expertise and vocabulary, fostering the exchange of ideas. The lectures given by particle physicists, cosmologists and condensed matter physicists are the result of the fruitful collaborations established since 1997 between groups in several European countries and in the U.S.A.