Elements of Statistical Mechanics: With an Introduction to Quantum Field Theory and Numerical Simulation

by Ivo Sachs , Siddhartha Sen , James Sexton

• ISBN13: 9780521143646
• ISBN10: 0521143640
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780511166570
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-06-10
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This textbook provides a concise introduction to the key concepts and tools of statistical mechanics. It also covers advanced topics such as non-relativistic quantum field theory and numerical methods. After introducing classical analytical techniques, such as cluster expansion and Landau theory, the authors present important numerical methods with applications to magnetic systems, Lennard-Jones fluids and biophysics. Quantum statistical mechanics is discussed in detail and applied to Bose-Einstein condensation and topics in astrophysics and cosmology. In order to describe emergent phenomena in interacting quantum systems, canonical non-relativistic quantum field theory is introduced and then reformulated in terms of Feynman integrals. Combining the authors' many years' experience of teaching courses in this area, this textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

Table of Contents

Preface

List of fundamental physical constraints

The problem

Statistical mechanics

Variations of a theme

Handling interactions

Monte Carlo integration

Numerical molecular dynamics

Quantum statistical mechanics

Astrophysics

Non-relativistic quantum field theory

Superfluidity

Path integrals

A second look

Phase transitions and the renormalization group

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.