Quantum Physics, Physics - General & Miscellaneous, Theory of Relativity, Cosmology

Supersymmetric Methods in Quantum and Statistical Physics

Name: Supersymmetric Methods in Quantum and Statistical Physics
Author: Georg Junker
ISBN: 9783642647420

by Georg Junker

Available on Bookshop Write a review

Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.

Overview

This book gives an introduction to supersymmetric quantum mechanics and a comprehensive review of its applications in quantum and statistical physics. The classical version and the quantum version of Witten's model are studied in detail. Exact spectral properties of the model for the so-called shape invariant potentials are discussed. The quasi-classical quantization rules are derived. The topics covered also include the supersymmetric structure of a classical stochastic dynamical system obeying the Langevin or the Fokker-Planck equation, Pauli's Hamiltonian and its application to the paragmagnetism of a non-interacting electron gas in two and three dimensions, supersymmetry of Dirac's Hamiltonian, and others. The book addresses graduate students as well as scientists.

Synopsis

The idea of supersymmetry was originally introduced in relativistic quantum field theories as a generalization of Poincare symmetry. In 1976 Nicolai sug gested an analogous generalization for non-relativistic quantum mechanics. With the one-dimensional model introduced by Witten in 1981, supersym metry became a major tool in quantum mechanics and mathematical, sta tistical, and condensed-IIll;l. tter physics. Supersymmetry is also a successful concept in nuclear and atomic physics. An underlying supersymmetry of a given quantum-mechanical system can be utilized to analyze the properties of the system in an elegant and effective way. It is even possible to obtain exact results thanks to supersymmetry. The purpose of this book is to give an introduction to supersymmet ric quantum mechanics and review some of the recent developments of vari ous supersymmetric methods in quantum and statistical physics. Thereby we will touch upon some topics related to mathematical and condensed-matter physics. A discussion of supersymmetry in atomic and nuclear physics is omit ted. However, the reader will find some references in Chap. 9. Similarly, super symmetric field theories and supergravity are not considered in this book. In fact, there exist already many excellent textbooks and monographs on these topics. A list may be found in Chap. 9. Yet, it is hoped that this book may be useful in preparing a footing for a study of supersymmetric theories in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. The plan of the book is as follows.