A quasi particle approach to relaxation phenomena

An evolution equation for the relaxation of a nucleus in a metal is derived, assuming that the electronic thermostat is the vacuum of quasi-particles. The relaxation originates in the successive creations of quasi-boson excitations of the electronic system.The author's interest in this subject was aroused through a collaboration with Prof. I. Berkes. He wishes to thank him. It is pleasure to thank also Prof. R. Coussement and Dr. P. Put for many helpfull discussions and for their hospitality at the I.K.S. Leuven.