Derivation of non-Markovian transport equations for trapped cold atoms in nonequilibrium thermal field theory

The non-Markovian transport equations for the systems of cold Bose atoms confined by a external potential both without and with a Bose-Einstein condensate are derived in the framework of nonequilibrium thermal field theory (Thermo Field Dynamics). Our key elements are an explicit particle representation and a self-consistent renormalization condition which are essential in thermal field theory. The non-Markovian transport equation for the non-condensed system, derived at the two-loop level, is reduced in the Markovian limit to the ordinary quantum Boltzmann equation derived in the other methods. For the condensed system, we derive a new transport equation with an additional collision term which becomes important in the Landau instability.     

The many-body problem within the Lee model

The structure of a field theoretical many-body problem is studied within the (non-static) Lee model. The explicit solvability of the renormalization problem allows the investigation of renormalization corrections in many-particle systems. Herefore, the renormalized equations are worked out for the N-V scattering and for the binding-energy problem of “N-V matter” — these cases taken in analogy to nucleon-nucleon scattering and nuclear matter. The N-V matter equations are obtained from a cluster expansion suitably defined for the field theoretical case. The ansatz for the correlated wave functions is chosen in such a way as to generate a two-hole-line expansion of the binding energy. The renormalized form of this field theoretical extension of Brueckner theory is discussed in detail revealing the medium effects on renormalization.     

Quantum kinetics and thermalization in a particle bath model

We study the dynamics of relaxation and thermalization in an exactly solvable model of a particle interacting with a harmonic oscillator bath. Our goal is to understand the effects of non-Markovian processes on the relaxational dynamics and to compare the exact evolution of the distribution function with approximate Markovian and non-Markovian quantum kinetics. There are two different cases that are studied in detail: (i) a quasiparticle (resonance) when the renormalized frequency of the particle is above the frequency threshold of the bath and (ii) a stable renormalized "particle" state below this threshold. The time evolution of the occupation number for the particle is evaluated exactly using different approaches that yield to complementary insights. The exact solution allows us to investigate the concept of the formation time of a quasiparticle and to study the difference between the relaxation of the distribution of bare particles and that of quasiparticles. For the case of quasiparticles, the exact occupation number asymptotically tends to a statistical equilibrium distribution that differs from a simple Bose-Einstein form as a result of off-shell processes whereas in the stable particle case, the distribution of particles does not thermalize with the bath. We derive a non-Markovian quantum kinetic equation which resums the perturbative series and includes off-shell effects. A Markovian approximation that includes off-shell contributions and the usual Boltzmann equation (energy conserving) are obtained from the quantum kinetic equation in the limit of wide separation of time scales upon different coarse-graining assumptions. The relaxational dynamics predicted by the non-Markovian, Markovian, and Boltzmann approximations are compared to the exact result. The Boltzmann approach is seen to fail in the case of wide resonances and when threshold and renormalization effects are important.     

Fluctuations in nonlinear Markovian systems

We study nonlinear irreversible processes by statistical mechanical methods from a general point of view. Assuming that the macroscopic variables behave approximatively Markovian we derive evolution equations for the mean values as well as for the fluctuations about the mean. The mean values obey nonlinear transport equations and the fluctuations obey linear nonstationary Langevin equations. The equations of motion are completely specified by the entropy and the transport coefficients as functions of the macroscopic state. The theory provides a statistical mechanical basis for some phenomenological approaches put forward recently.     

Theory of the generalized collision integral. IV

In the maximum time interval of kinetic evolution of the single-particle distribution function of a spatially homogeneous system summation of the step diagrams (without intersections of the lines of propagation and interaction) is carried out for an arbitrary nonequilibrium state in the Markov limit, as well as for a local equilibrium state with regard for memory effects. Procedures are indicated for the step renormalization of diagrams of arbitrary order with respect to the density in the Markov limit, with subsequent ladder renormalization. Ring diagrams with preliminary step and ladder renormalizations are summed. A more correct derivation is given for the generalized Boltzmann (Boltzmann-Landau) collision integrals for dense systems with a strong short-range (as well as strong long-range) potential. It is shown that the step, ring, and ladder renormalizations yield a nondivergent two-particle distribution function in a classical equilibrium plasma.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 8, pp. 86–91, August, 1978.     

Transport Theory and Collective Modes II: Long-Time Tail and Green-Kubo Formalism

The long-time tail effect (i.e., a non-Markovian effect) in a velocity autocorrelation function for moderately dense classical gases in d-dimensional space is estimated for arbitray n-mode coupling by superposition of the Markov equations for the collective modes which has been introduced through the complex spectral representation of the Liouville operator in the previous paper. Taking into account intermediate nonhydrodynamic modes in a transition between hydrodynamic states, we found slower decay processes in the long-time tail. These new processes lead to a critical dimension at d = 4 as in the renormalization group, that is, higher modes processes lead to slower decay process in the autocorrelation function for d = 4, while they lead to quicker decay process for d > 4. This conclusion clashes with the traditional point of view, which leads to the critical dimension d = 2. These slower processes invalidate the traditional kinetic equations for bare distribution functions obtained by a truncation of the BBGKY hierarchy for d < 4, as well as the Green-Kubo formalism, as there appear contributions of order t^–1, t^–1/2, ... coming from multiple mode-mode couplings even for d = 3.     

Brownian motion of a nonlinear oscillator

Starting with the Langevin equation for a nonlinear oscillator (the Duffing oscillator) undergoing ordinary Brownian motion, we derive linear transport laws for the motion of the average position and velocity of the oscillator. The resulting linear equations are valid for only small deviations of average values from thermal equilibrium. They contain a renormalized oscillator frequency and a renormalized and non-Markovian friction coefficient, both depending on the nonlinear part of the original equation of motion. Numerical computations of the position correlation function and its spectral density are presented. The spectral density compares favorably with experimental results obtained by Morton using an analog computer method.Technical Note BN-674. Research supported in part by NSF grant GP-12591, and in part by PHS Research Grant No. MG16426-02 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.     

Renormalization theory in superspace

The auxiliary mass BPHZ renormalization procedure is extended to include theories defined in superspace. Ultraviolet and infrared power counting formulas for Feynman integrands in superspace are derived. A general momentum-superspace subtraction scheme is given which allows time-ordered Green functions of superfields to be defined as tempered distributions. Superfield normal product Green functions are introduced and the Zimmermann identity relating differently subtracted such products is established. Finally normal product field equations and the renormalized quantum action principle in superspace are derived.     

Improved block-spin transformations,redundant operators and all that

Improved block-spin transformations are studied both numerically and analytically. These are real-space renormalization group transformations that depend on arbitrary parameters which can be adjusted in such a way that a given action reaches the renormalized trajectory after only a few block steps. We demonstrate the role that is played by redundant operators in the optimization. Explicit calculations are done in the gaussian model and the large-N Heisenberg model. In the latter the resulting renormalization group equations are solved analytically close to the fixed point and numerically further away to obtain the renormalized trajectory for various choices of the optimization parameter.     

Small distance behaviour in field theory and power counting

For infinitesimal changes of vertex functions under infinitesimal variation of all renormalized parameters, linear combinations are found such that the net infinitesimal changes of all vertex functions are negligible relative to those functions themselves at large momenta in all orders of renormalized perturbation theory. The resulting linear first order partial differential equations for the asymptotic forms of the vertex functions are, in quantum electrodynamics, solved in terms of one universal function of one variable and one function of one variable for each vertex function whereby, in contrast to the renormalization group treatment of this problem, the universal function is obtained from nonasymptotic considerations. A relation to the breaking of scale invariance in renormalizable theories is described.     

From superoperator formalism to nonequilibrium Thermo Field Dynamics

Emphasizing that the specification of the representation space or the quasiparticle picture is essential in nonequilibrium quantum field system, we have constructed the unique unperturbed representation of the interaction picture in the superoperator formalism. To achieve it, we put the three basic requirements (the existence of the quasiparticle picture at each instant of time, the macroscopic causality and the relaxation to equilibrium). From the resultant representation follows the formulation of nonequilibrium Thermo Field Dynamics (TFD). The two parameters, the number distribution and excitation energy, characterizing the representation, are to be determined by the renormalization condition. While we point out that the diagonalization condition by Chu and Umezawa is inconsistent with the equilibrium theory, we propose a new renormalization condition as a generalization of the on-shell renormalization on the self-energy which derives the quantum transport equation and determines the renormalized excitation energy.     

Regularization of Quantum Relative Entropy in Finite Dimensions and Application to Entropy Production

The fundamental concept of relative entropy is extended to a functional that is regular-valued also on arbitrary pairs of nonfaithful states of open quantum systems. This regularized version preserves almost all important properties of ordinary relative entropy such as joint convexity and contractivity under completely positive quantum dynamical semigroup time evolution. On this basis a generalized formula for entropy production is proposed, the applicability of which is tested in models of irreversible processes. The dynamics of the latter is determined by either Markovian or non-Markovian master equations and involves all types of states.     

Sum-rule conserving spectral functions from the numerical renormalization group

We show how spectral functions for quantum impurity models can be calculated very accurately using a complete set of discarded numerical renormalization group eigenstates, recently introduced by Anders and Schiller. The only approximation is to judiciously exploit energy scale separation. Our derivation avoids both the overcounting ambiguities and the single-shell approximation for the equilibrium density matrix prevalent in current methods, ensuring that relevant sum rules hold rigorously and spectral features at energies below the temperature can be described accurately.     

The renormalized σ model

A renormalization procedure of the boson σ model based on the finite field equations of Brandt-Wilson is given. We first show that the current operators appearing in the field equations, which are finite local limit of sums of nonlocal field products and suitable subtraction terms, can be chosen to be the same form as the one given for the symmetric limit except for the symmetry breaking constant source term itself. The set of integral equations derived from the field equations is shown to be equivalent to the usual Bogoliubov-Parasiuk-Hepp renormalization theory, and gives us immediately all the renormalized Green's functions in each order of perturbation theory in clear and straightforward fashion. We then analyze the structures of the model in detail. In particular, Ward identities are shown to be satisfied to all orders of perturbation theory. The Goldstone theorem is a particular consequence of these identities.     

Dimensional renormalization of scalar field theory in curved space-time

The regularization and renormalization of an interacting scalar field φ in a curved spacetime background is performed by the method of continuation to n dimensions. In addition to the familiar counter terms of the flat-space theory, c-number, “vacuum” counter terms must also be introduced. These involve zero, first, and second powers of the Reimann curvature tensor R_αβψδ. Moreover, the renormalizability of the theory requires that the Lagrange function couple φ² to the curvature scalar R with a coupling constant η. The coupling η must obey an inhomogeneous renormalization group equation, but otherwise it is an arbitrary, free parameter. All the counter terms obey renormalization group equations which determine the complete structure of these quantities in terms of the residues of their simple poles in n ? 4. The coefficient functions of the counter terms determine the construction of φ² and φ⁴ in terms of renormalized composite operators 1, [φ²], and [φ⁴]. Two of the counter terms vanish in conformally flat space-time. The others may be computed from the theory in purely flat space-time. They are determined, in a rather intricate fashion, by the additive renormalizations for two-point functions of [φ²] and [φ⁴] in Minkowski space-time. In particular, using this method, we compute the leading divergence of the R² interaction which is of fifth order in the coupling constant λ.     

Quantum theory of the damped harmonic oscillator

A phenomenological stochastic modelling of the process of thermal and quantal fluctuations of a damped harmonic oscillator is presented. The divergence of the momentum dispersion associated with the Markovian limit is removed by a Drude regularization. The variances of position and momentum are evaluated in closed form at arbitrary temperature and for arbitrary damping. Properties of real and imaginary time correlation functions are discussed, and a spectral decomposition of the equilibrium density matrix is given.     

Renormalization group and Fermi liquid theory

We give a Hamiltonian-based interpretation of microscopic Fermi liquid theory within a renormalization group framework. The Fermi liquid fixed-point Hamiltonian with its leading-order corrections is identified and we show that the mean field calculations for this model correspond to the Landau phenomenological approach. This is illustrated first of all for the Kondo and Anderson models of magnetic impurities which display Fermi liquid behaviour at low temperatures. We then show how these results can be deduced by a reorganization of perturbation theory, in close parallel to that for the renormalized φ⁴ field theory. The Fermi liquid results follow from the two lowest order diagrams of the renormalized perturbation expansion. The calculations for the impurity models are simpler than for the general case because the self-energy depends on frequency only. We show, however, that a similar renormalized expansion can be derived also for the case of a translationally invariant system. The parameters specifying the Fermi liquid fixed-point Hamiltonian are related to the renormalized vertices appearing in the perturbation theory. The collective zero sound modes appear in the quasiparticle-quasihole ladder sum of the renormalized perturbation expansion. The renormalized perturbation expansion can in principle be used beyond the Fermi liquid regime to higher temperatures. This approach should be particularly useful for heavy fermions and other strongly correlated electron systems, where the renormalization of the single-particle excitations are particularly large.

We briefly look at the breakdown of Fermi liquid theory from a renormalized perturbation theory point of view. We show how a modified version of the approach can be used in some situations, such as the spinless Luttinger model, where Fermi liquid theory is not applicable. Other examples of systems where the Fermi liquid theory breaks down are also briefly discussed.     

First order green-function theory of isotropic Heisenberg ferromagnet

The Heisenberg ferromagnet with general spin S is considered within Green-function theory and spectral density method. New difference equations of the first order determining one- and two-particle correlation functions are derived and solved. The spectral density method is used to close Oguchi's variational theory without additional decoupling assumptions. The temperature renormalized spectrum is found to be a series expansion in that the first term coincide with RPA result and the first two terms correspond essentially to Callen's result. Low temperature expansions for the renormalization factor and the magnetization are given and shown to coincide with Callen's result.     

On renormalization and complex space-time dimensions

The method of using the dimension of space-time as a complex parameter introduced recently to regularize Feynman amplitudes is extended to an arbitrary Feynman graph. The method has promise of being particularly well-suited to gauge theories. It is shown how the renormalized amplitude, together with the Lagrangian counter-terms, may be extracted directly, following the method of analytic renormalization.