Quantum Mechanics and Its Emergent Macrophysics

Geoffrey Sewell

302 pages, parution le 06/12/2002

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Résumé

The quantum theory of macroscopic systems is a vast, ever-developing area of science that serves to relate the properties of complex physical objects to those of their constituent particles. Its essential challenge is that of finding the conceptual structures needed for the description of the various states of organization of many-particle quantum systems. In this book, Geoffrey Sewell provides a new approach to the subject, based on a "macrostatistical mechanics," which contrasts sharply with the standard microscopic treatments of many-body problems.

Sewell begins by presenting the operator algebraic framework for the theory. He then undertakes a macrostatistical treatment of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which yields a major new characterization of a complete set of thermodynamic variables and a nonlinear generalization of the Onsager theory. The remainder of the book focuses on ordered and chaotic structures that arise in some key areas of condensed matter physics. This includes a general derivation of superconductive electrodynamics from the assumptions of off-diagonal long-range order, gauge covariance, and thermodynamic stability, which avoids the enormous complications of the microscopic treatments. Sewell also unveils a theoretical framework for phase transitions far from thermal equilibrium. Throughout, the mathematics is kept clear without sacrificing rigor.

Representing a coherent approach to the vast problem of the emergence of macroscopic phenomena from quantum mechanics, this well-written book is addressed to physicists, mathematicians, and other scientists interested in quantum theory, statistical physics, thermodynamics, and general questions of order and chaos.

Contents

Part I. The Algebraic Quantum Mechanical Framework and the Description of Order, Disorder and Irreversibility in Macroscopic Systems: Prospectus

Introductory Discussion of Quantum Macrophysics
The Generalised Quantum Mechanical Framework
On Symmetry, Entropy and Order
Reversibility, Irreversibilty and Macroscopic Causality

Part II. From Quantum Statistics to Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: Prospectus

Thermal Equilibrium States and Phases
Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Phase Structure
Macrostatistics and Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics

Part III. Superconductive Electrodynamics as a Consequence of Off-diagonal Long Range Order, Gauge Covariance and Thermodynamical Stability: Prospectus

Brief Historical Survey of Theories of Superconductivity
Off-diagonal Long Range Order and Superconductive Electrodynamics

Part IV. Ordered and Chaotic Structures Far from Equilibrium: Prospectus

Schematic Approach to a Theory of Nonequlibrium Phase Transitions, Order and Chaos
Laser Model as a Paradigm of Nonequilibrium Phase Structures

L'auteur - Geoffrey Sewell

Geoffrey Sewell is Professor of Mathematical Physics at Queen Mary, University of London. His previous book, Quantum Theory of Collective Phenomena, is a classic in the field.

Caractéristiques techniques

	PAPIER
Éditeur(s)	Princeton University Press
Auteur(s)	Geoffrey Sewell
Parution	06/12/2002
Nb. de pages	302
Format	16 x 24
Couverture	Relié
Poids	592g
Intérieur	Noir et Blanc
EAN13	9780691058320
ISBN13	978-0-691-05832-0