Path Integrals in Quantum Physics

Vorlesung

Thomas Gasenzer

Tuesday, 11-13, SR Phil 19, Start: 17 October 2006

Content:

• Basics from quantum and classical mechanics (interference, uncertainty relation, Lagrangian and Hamilton-Jacobi theory, statistical mechanics, Brownian motion)
• Introduction to path integrals (Feynman formula, classical limit, harmonic oscillator)
• Special topics and applications in quantum mechanics (Perturbation theory, Feynman diagrams, WKB approximation, variational methods)
• Functional integrals in quantum field theory (Quantum statistics of bosons and fermions, relativistic particles, many-body dynamics)

Prerequisites:

• Quantum Mechanics (Theoretical Physics III)
• Statistical Mechanics (Theor. Phys. IV) would be helpful

Literature:

• R.P. Feynman, A.R. Hibbs, "Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals", McGraw-Hill, New York (1965).
• C. Grosche, F. Steiner, "Handbook of Feynman Path Intergals", Springer (1998).
• L.S. Schulman, "Techniques and applications of path integration", John Wiley and Sons, (1981).
• H. Kleinert, "Path Integrals in Quantum Mechanics, Statistics, Polymer Physics and Financial Markets", World Scientific Publishing Co., Singapore (2004).
• G. Roepstorff, "Pfadintegrale in der Quantenphysik", Vieweg, Braunschweig (1990).
• W. Dittrich, M. Reuter, "Classical and Quantum Dynamics", Springer (1996)