Note on path integration in a space with a dispiration

S. A. Ali, A. Inomata
Department of Physics, State University of New York at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA

Path integration is carried out in the field of topological defects. The topological defects being considered include a screw dislocation and a disclination in solid. The screw dislocation give rise to torsion, while the disclination generates curvature in the surrounding space. We consider a particle bound in the vicinity of the defect by a short range repulsive and long range attractive force. By path integration we obtain the energy spectrum and the corresponding eigenfunctions.

PACS: 02.40Ky, 61.72Lk
Keywords: Riemannian geometries, linear defects, dislocations, disclinations
File size: 139 KB




Non perturbative series for the calculation of one loop integrals at finite temperature

P. Amore
Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Colima, Bernal Diaz del Castillo no. 340, Col. Villa San Sebastian, Colima, Colima, Mexico

The calculation of one loop integrals at finite temperature requires the evaluation of certain series, which converge very slowly or can even be divergent. Here we review a new method, recently devised by the author, for obtaining accelerated analytical expressions for these series. The fundamental properties of the new series are studied and an application to a physical example is considered. The relevance of the method to other physical problems is also discussed.

PACS: 11.10.wx,11.10.-z
Keywords: finite temperature, Riemann zeta function, Hurwitz zeta function
File size: 125 KB




Path integrals in curved space and the worldline formalism

F. Bastianelli
Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Bologna and INFN, Sezione di Bologna, Via Irnerio 46, I-40126 Bologna, Italy

We describe, how to construct and compute unambiguously path integrals for particles moving in a curved space, and how these path integrals can be used to calculate Feynman graphs and effective actions for various quantum field theories with external gravity in the framework of the worldline formalism. In particular, we review a recent application of this worldline approach and discuss vector and antisymmetric tensor fields coupled to gravity. This requires the construction of a path integral for the N=2 spinning particle, which is used to compute the first three Seeley-DeWitt coefficients for all p-form gauge fields in all dimensions and to derive exact duality relations.

PACS: 03.65.-w, 04.62.+v
Keywords: path integrals, worldline formalism
File size: 212 KB




Nonperturbative approach to (Wiener) functional integral with φ4 interaction

J. Bohacik
Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 811 45 Bratislava, Slovakia
P. Presnajder
Department of Theoretical Physics and Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Mlynska dolina F2, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovakia

We propose the another, in principe nonperturbative, method of the evaluation of the Wiener functional integral for φ4 term in the action. All infinite summations in the results are proven to be convergent. We find the "generalized" Gelfand-Yaglom differential equation implying the functional integral in the continuum limit.

PACS: 11.15.Tk, 12.38.Lg
Keywords: functional integral, φ4 interaction, nonperturbative approach
File size: 102 KB




Path integral method and rapid quantum computation

H. Cui
Department of Physics, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China

A path integral method was developed according to the usual momentum-wavefunction relation, it is different from the Feynman's path integral. In order to investigate its validity and usefulness, the path integral method was applied to hydrogen atom,the energy levels were calculated out with the same fine structure as the calculation of the Dirac wave equation, the electronic spin effect was also calculated out correctly when the hydrogen atom is put in a magnetic field. The path integral method would be useful for some physical systems when for which the Dirac equation can not be solved exactly, it was pointed out that the path integral method is a rapid quantum computation method.

PACS: 03.65.Ge, 32.10.Fn
Keywords: path integral, hydrogen atom, rapid quantum computation
File size: 183 KB




Topological order and magnetic flux fractionalization in Josephson junction ladders with Mobius boundary conditions: a twisted CFT description

G. Cristofano, Vincenzo Marotta
Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Universita di Napoli Federico II and INFN, Sezione di Napoli, Via Cintia, Compl. Universitario M. Sant'Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
A. Naddeo
Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, Universita di Napoli Federico II and INFM-Coherentia, Unita di Napoli, Via Cintia, Compl. Universitario M. Sant'Angelo, 80126 Napoli, Italy
G. Niccoli
Sissa and INFN, Sezione di Trieste, Via Beirut 1, 34100 Trieste, Italy

We propose a CFT description for a closed one-dimensional fully frustrated ladder of quantum Josephson junctions with Mobius boundary conditions; we show how such a system can develop topological order thanks to flux fractionalization. Such a property is crucial for its implementation as a protected solid state qubit.

PACS: 11.25.Hf, 74.50.+r
Keywords: Josephson junction ladder, flux fractionalization, topological order
File size: 212 KB




A quantum field theory as emergent description of constrained supersymmetric classical dynamics

H. T. Elze
Dipartimento di Fisica, Via Filippo Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, Italia

Deterministic dynamical models are discussed which can be described in quantum mechanical terms. In particular, a local quantum field theory is presented which is a supersymmetric classical model - the Hilbert space approach of Koopman and von Neumann is used to study the evolution of an ensemble of such classical systems. With the help of the supersymmetry algebra, the corresponding Liouville operator can be decomposed into two contributions with positive and negative spectrum, respectively. The unstable negative part is eliminated by a constraint on physical states, which is invariant under the Hamiltonian flow. In this way, choosing suitable phase space coordinates, the classical Liouville equation becomes a functional Schrödinger equation of a genuine quantum field theory. Quantization here is intimately related to the constraint, which selects the part of Hilbert space where the Hamilton operator is positive. This is interpreted as dynamical symmetry breaking in an extended model, introducing a mass scale which discriminates classical dynamics beneath from emergent quantum mechanical behaviour.

PACS: 03.65.Ta, 03.70+k, 05.20.-y, 11.30.Pb
Keywords: emergent quantum fields, supersymmetry constrained dynamics
File size: 162 KB




The second term of the semi-classical asymptotic expansion of Feynman path integrals with integrand of polynomial growth

D. Fujiwara
Department of Mathematics, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
N. Kumano-go
GFM, Lisbon University, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 2, P-1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal, Department of Mathematics, Kogakuin University, 1-24-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 163-8677, Japan

Recently N. Kumano-go succeeded in proving that piecewise linear time slicing approximation to Feynman path integral with integrand F(γ) actually converges to the limit as the mesh of division of time goes to 0 if the functional F(γ) of paths γ belongs to a certain class of functionals with polynomial growth at the infinity. Moreover, he rigorously showed that the limit, which we call the Feynman path integral, has rich properties. The aim of this note is to explain that the use of piecewise classical paths naturally leads us to an analytic formula for the second term of the semi-classical asymptotic expansion of the Feynman path integrals under a little stronger assumptions than that in Kumano-go's. If F(γ)=1, this second term coincides with the one given by G. D. Birkhoff.

PACS: 03.65.Sq, 31.15.Kb
Keywords: Feynman path integral, semi-classical asymptotics, stationary phase method
File size: 130 KB




Casimir energy, the cosmological constant and massive gravitons

R. Garattini
Universita degli Studi di Bergamo, Facolta di Ingegneria, Viale Marconi 5, 24044 Dalmine (Bergamo), ITALY and INFN - sezione di Milano, Via Celoria 16, Milan, Italy

The cosmological constant appearing in the Wheeler-De Witt equation is considered as an eigenvalue of the associated Sturm-Liouville problem. A variational approach with Gaussian trial wave functionals is used as a method to study such a problem. We approximate the equation to one loop in a Schwarzschild background and a zeta function regularization is involved to handle with divergences. The regularization is closely related to the subtraction procedure appearing in the computation of Casimir energy in a curved background. A renormalization procedure is introduced to remove the infinities together with a renormalization group equation. The case of massive gravitons is discussed.

PACS: 04.60.-m, 04.62.+v, 11.10.Gh
Keywords: Cosmological Constant, Renormalization, Quantum Gravity
File size: 178 KB




Electron spin dynamics in nanodevices and geometrical effects

D. Giuliano
Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche Universita degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy, Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita della Calabria and I.N.F.N., Gruppo collegato di Cosenza, Arcavacata di Rende, I-87036, Cosenza, Italy
P. Lucignano
Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche Universita degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy, Coherentia-INFM, Monte S.Angelo - via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy, SISSA and INFM Democritos National Simulation Center, Via Beirut 2-4, 34014 Trieste, Italy
A. Tagliacozzo
Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche Universita degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy, Coherentia-INFM, Monte S.Angelo - via Cintia, I-80126 Napoli, Italy

We discuss nonlocal quantum mechanical effects in mesoscopic devices, for studying which, path integral has been shown to provide quite a powerful and compact approach. In particular, we focus onto geometrical phase effects. As a former example, we discuss how a geometrical phase due to spin-orbit coupling may affect Aharonov-Bohm conductance oscillations in a mesoscopic ring. As a latter example, we show that a pertinent cycling in parameter space may induce a robust Berry phase in a quantum dot tuned close to a three-level degeneracy. In both cases, we propose to detect geometrical phase effects by means of an appropriate DC transport measurement.

PACS: 72.25.Dc, 72.25.Rb, 85.75.d
Keywords: electron-spin dynamics, nanodevice, geometrical effects
File size: 328 KB




Logarithmic corrections to the entropy of the exact string black hole

D. Grumiller
Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Leipzig, Augustusplatz 10-11, D-04109, Germany

Exploiting a recently constructed target space action for the exact string black hole, logarithmic corrections to the leading order entropy are studied. There are contributions from thermal fluctuations and from corrections due to α'>0 which for the microcanonical entropy appear with different signs and therefore may cancel each other, depending on the overall factor in front of the action. For the canonical entropy no such cancellation occurs. Remarks are made regarding the applicability of the approach and concerning the microstates. As a byproduct a formula for logarithmic entropy corrections in generic 2D dilaton gravity is derived.

PACS: 04.70.Dy
Keywords: black holes, space action
File size: 249 KB




On path integral for the radial Dirac equation

T. Ichinose
Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan

A path integral representation is given to the Green's function for the radial Dirac equation, by constructing a countably additive path space measure on the space of continuous paths living on the real half-line. An application is suggested to a problem in quantum field theory.

PACS: 03.65.Pm; 02.30.Sa
Keywords: path integral, radial Dirac operator, Green's function
File size: 170 KB




Modification of Klauder's coherent states

A. Inomata and M. Sadiq
Department of Physics, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York 12222

A modified version of Klauder's coherent state is presented. Klauder's state is a generalized coherent state that can be constructed in terms of the energy eigenstates of a given non-degenerate system without referring to any symmetry group. It can be formed for continuous as well as discrete dynamics. The proposed modification allows us to deal with degenerate systems and to treat discrete states and continuous states in a unified manner. Some examples are given for illustration.

PACS: 75.45.+j
Keywords: coherent states, discrete dynamics
File size: 131 KB




Bead-Fourier path integral molecular dynamics for identical particles

S. D. Ivanov, A. P. Lyubartsevy
Division of Physical Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, S-10691, Stockholm, Sweden

The Bead-Fourier path integral molecular dynamics technique, introduced earlier [S.D. Ivanov, A.P. Lyubartsev, and A. Laaksonen, Phys. Rev. E 67 (2003) 066710] for the case of distinguishable particles is reformulated in order to achieve more efficient sampling. The reformulation is carried out on the basis of the staging transformation of beads' coordinates, yielding all dynamical variables to move on similar time scales. The formalism for identical particles is presented. It is shown, that the straightforward approach leads to impossibility of the sign changes. A recipe to overcome this problem is suggested. It is demonstrated, that the developed formalism for identical particles can also be reformulated, providing efficient molecular dynamics.

PACS: 05.30.-d, 02.70.Ns
Keywords: Bead-Fourier, path integral, molecular dynamics, identical particles
File size: 215 KB




Phase transitions in a generalized |ψ|4 model

W. Janke, E. Bittner
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Leipzig, Augustusplatz 10/11, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany

Monte Carlo simulations are employed for studying a generalized three-dimensional complex |ψ|4 field theory with an additional fugacity term controlling the vortex-line density. It is shown that only with such an extra term, the XY type second-order phase transitions of the standard model can be tuned in certain regions of the phase diagram to become first-order. In particular, this settles a recent controversy in the standard model related to the measure of the functional integral. Also the topological excitations of the model (vortex networks) are carefully examined.

PACS: 02.70.Lq, 64.60.-i
Keywords: phase transitions, 3D XY model universality class, vortex networks
File size: 504 KB




On quantum mechanics as a constrained deterministic dynamics

M. Blasone
Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Salerno, I-84100 Salerno, Italy
P. Jizba
FNSPE, Czech Technical University, Brehova 7, 115 19 Praha 1, Czech Republic
H. Kleinert
Institut für Theoretische Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14 D-14195 Berlin, Germany

In this paper we review recent results obtained in [quant-ph/0504200] on the path integral formulation of 't Hooft's derivation of quantum from classical physics. In particular, we employ the Faddeev-Jackiw treatment of classical constrained systems to show how 't Hooft's loss of information condition may yield a genuine quantum mechanical system. With two simple examples we discuss some of the consequences that follow from our approach.

PACS: 03.65.-w, 31.15.Kb, 45.20.Jj
Keywords: path integral, constrained systems, Faddeev-Jackiw approach
File size: 153 KB




Path integrals, and classical and quantum constraints

J. R. Klauder
Department of Physics and Department of Mathematics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

Systems with constraints pose problems when they are quantized. Moreover, the Dirac procedure of quantization prior to reduction is preferred. The projection operator method of quantization, which can be most conveniently described by coherent state path integrals, enables one to directly impose a regularized form of the quantum constraints. This procedure also overcomes conventional difficulties with normalization and second class constraints that invalidate conventional Dirac constraint quantization procedures.

PACS: 03.65.Ca, 03.65.Db
Keywords: path integrals, operator formulation, quantum mechanics
File size: 146 KB




su(2|1) path integral for strongly correlated electrons: application to the pseudogap phenomenon

E. Kochetov
Bogoliubov Theoretical Laboratory, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980 Dubna, Russia

We employ the su(2|1) superalgebra representation of the t-J model Hamiltonian to rigorously enforce the local constraint that guarantees a given lattice site to be either empty or singly occupied. This constraint arises because a Coulomb repulsive energy dominates over hopping energy and results in strong electron correlation which determines the basic physics of high-Tc superconductors. We apply this technique to derive a boson-spinless fermion model for the t-J Hamiltonian, which provides a microscopic scenario to take into account local spin fluctuations to the pseudogap phenomenon.

PACS: 74.20.Mn, 75.10.Jm
Keywords: su(2|1) path integral, high-Tc superconductors, t-J model, pseudogap
File size: 136 KB




Smooth functional derivatives in Feynman path integrals

N. Kumano-go
GFM, Lisbon University, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 2, P-1649-003 Lisboa, PORTUGAL, Department of Mathematics, Kogakuin University, 1-24-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8677, JAPAN
D. Fujiwara
Department of Mathematics, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro Toshima-ku Tokyo 171-8588, JAPAN

This note is an exposition of our resent papers. We give a fairly general class of functionals on a path space so that Feynman path integral has a mathematically rigorous meaning. More precisely, for any functional belonging to our class, the time slicing approximation of Feynman path integral converges uniformly on compact subsets of the configuration space. Our class of functionals is closed under addition, multiplication, translation, real linear transformation and functional differentiation. The integration by parts and Taylor's expansion formula with respect to functional differentiation holds in Feynman path integral. Feynman path integral is invariant under translation and orthogonal transformation. The interchange of the order with Riemann-Stieltjes integrals, the interchange of the order with a limit, the perturbation expansion formula, the semiclassical approximation and the fundamental theorem of calculus holds in Feynman path integral.

PACS: 31.15.Kb, 02.30.Nw, 02.50.Fz
Keywords: Feynman path integral, oscillatory integral, stochastic analysis
File size: 176 KB




Development of the Green function method on a basis of deterministic approach to approximate functional integration

Y. Y. Lobanov and V. D. Rushai
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna

Within the general approach which is understood as the Green function method, we develop a numerical method based on representation of the Green functions for a class of problems in the form of functional integrals with respect to Gaussian measures, and subsequent calculation of the integrals with the help of a deterministic approach. In this case the solving of the problems is reduced to evaluation of usual (Riemann) integrals of relatively low multiplicity. The method was applied to numerical solving of the Schrödinger equation and the related diffusion equation, and also to description of time evolution of some Markovian open quantum systems. The features of the method and possible area of its application are discussed.

PACS: 02.60.-x, 02.70.-c, 03.65.-w
Keywords: green function, approximate functional integration
File size: 213 KB




On the quantization of the superparticle action in proper time and the Lorentz group SO(3,1)

D. J. Cirilo-Lombardo
Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Joint Institute of Nuclear Research, 141980, Dubna, Russia

In this work the problem of the square root operator is analyzed. To this end we considered a relativistic geometrical action of a particle in the superspace in order to quantize it and to obtain the spectrum of physical states but remaind the Hamiltonian in the natural square root form. We show, after complete quantization of the model, that the physical states that the square root Hamiltonian can operate correspond to the representations with the lowest weights λ=1/4 and λ=3/4.

PACS: 12.60.Jv, 11.10.Ef, 11.30.Cp
Keywords: superparticle, Hamiltonian formulation, relativistic theories
File size: 141 KB




The functional integration and the two-point correlation functions of the trapped Bose gas

C. Malyshev, N. M. Bogoliubov
St.-Petersburg Department of Steklov Mathematical Institute (PDMI), 27, Fontanka, St.-Petersburg, 191023, RUSSIA

A quantum field-theoretical model, which describes spatially non-homogeneous repulsive Bose gas in an external harmonic potential is considered. Two-point thermal correlation functions of the Bose gas are calculated in the framework of the functional integration approach. Successive integration over the high-energy functional variables first and then over the low-energy ones is used. The effective action functional for the low-energy variables is obtained in one loop approximation. The functional integral representations for the correlation functions are estimated by means of the stationary phase approximation. A power-law asymptotical behaviour of the correlators of the one-dimensional Bose gas is demonstrated in the limit, when the temperature is going to zero, while the volume occupied by the non-homogeneous Bose gas infinitely increases. The power-law behaviour is governed by the critical exponent dependent on the spatial arguments.

PACS: 05.30.Jp, 31.15.Kb
Keywords: functional integration, Bose gas, correlation functions
File size: 194 KB




Cancellation of anomalies in a path integral formulation for classical field theories

D. Mauro
Department of Theoretical Physics, University of Trieste, Strada Costiera 11, Miramare-Grignano, 34014 Trieste, Italy

Some symmetries can be broken in the quantization process (anomalies) and this breaking is signalled by a non-invariance of the quantum path integral measure. In this talk we show that it is possible to formulate also classical field theories via path integral techniques. The associated classical functional measure is larger than the quantum one, because it includes some auxiliary fields. For a fermion coupled with a gauge field we prove that the way these auxiliary fields transform compensates exactly the Jacobian which arises from the transformation of the fields appearing in the quantum measure. This cancels the quantum anomaly and restores the symmetry at the classical level.

PACS: 11.30.Rd, 45.20
Keywords: chiral anomalies, classical and quantum functional methods
File size: 110 KB




Path integral calculation for asymmetric double-well potential: cumulant, Debye-Waller factor and chemical reaction

T. Miyanaga, K. Nitta
Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8561, Japan
T. Fujikawa
Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Yayoi-cho 1-33, Inage, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan

Path integral effective potential method is applied to symmetric and asymmetric double-well potential systems. We calculate the temperature dependence of 2nd, 3rd and 4th order cumulants, which are useful to study vibrational effects in various spectroscopic techniques. We evaluate the Debye-Waller factors in EXAFS, EELFS and XPD and discuss the characteristic features caused by asymmetric double-well potential. We also relate this method to the quantum tunneling effect in the simple chemical reaction rate constant.

PACS: 61.10.Ht
Keywords: path integral, Debye-Waller factor, EXAFS, double-well potential
File size: 524 KB




Design of high-order short-time approximations as a problem of matching the covariance of a Brownian motion

C. Predescu
Department of Chemistry and Kenneth S. Pitzer Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720

One of the outstanding problems in the numerical discretization of the Feynman-Kac formula calls for the design of arbitrary-order short-time approximations that are constructed in a stable way, yet only require knowledge of the potential function. In essence, the problem asks for the development of a functional analogue to the Gauss quadrature technique for one-dimensional functions. In PRE 69 (2004) 056701, it has been argued that the problem of designing an approximation of order ny is equivalent to the problem of constructing discrete-time Gaussian processes that are supported on finite-dimensional probability spaces and match certain generalized moments of the Brownian motion. Since Gaussian processes are uniquely determined by their covariance matrix, it is tempting to reformulate the moment-matching problem in terms of the covariance matrix alone. Here, we show how this can be accomplished.

PACS: 02.70.Ss, 05.40.Jc
Keywords: Feynman-Kac formula, Brownian motion, short-time approximations, order of convergence
File size: 157 KB




The Titius-Bode law and a quantum-like description of the planetary systems

F. Scardigli
CENTRA, Departamento de Fisica, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

The Titius-Bode law for planetary distances is reviewed. A model describing the basic features of this law in the "quantum-like" language of a wave equation is proposed. Some considerations about the 't Hooft idea on the quantum behaviour of deterministic systems with dissipation are discussed.

PACS: 03.65.Ta, 96.35.-j
Keywords: foundations of quantum mechanics, planetary systems
File size: 189 KB




Feynman path integrals for exponents of polynomially growing functionals

E. T. Shavgulidze
Department of Mechanics and Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Vorobievy Gory, 119899 Moscow, Russia

A general class of functional integrals of the exponents of polynomially growing functionals on the Hilbert space be studied. A representation formula by integrals for Gaussian measures is given for this class of functional integrals. These results are applied to provide a rigorous Feynman path integral representations for the solutions of the time dependent Schrodinger equations with a polynomially growing potentials (it is possible with alternating signs). Special self-adjoint extensions for Schrodinger differential operators with a polynomially growing potentials are obtained.

PACS: 03.65.Ge, 11.10.Lm, 74.20.Kk
Keywords: polynomially growing functionals, functional integrals
File size: 99 KB




Uni-directional diffusion flux, Brownian and Langevin simulations

A. Singer, Z. Schuss
Department of Mathematics, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, 69978 Tel-Aviv, Israel
B. Nadler
Department of Mathematics, Yale University, 10 Hillhouse Avenue P.O. Box 208283, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8283, USA

The Wiener path integral splits the net diffusion flux into infinite unidirectional fluxes, whose difference is the classical diffusion flux. The infinite unidirectional flux is an artifact of the diffusion approximation to Langevin's equation, an approximation that fails on time scales shorter than the relaxation time 1/γ. The probability of one-dimensional Brownian trajectories that cross a point in one direction per unit time Δt equals that of Langevin trajectories if γΔt=2. This result is relevant to Brownian and Langevin dynamics simulation of particles in a finite volume inside a large bath. We describe the sources of new trajectories at the boundaries of the simulation that maintain fixed average concentrations and avoid the formation of spurious boundary layers.

PACS: 31.15.Kb, 02.50.-r
Keywords: Wiener's path integral, diffusion, Brownian simulations, Langevin
File size: 300 KB




Path-integrals and the BEC/BCS crossover in dilute atomic gases

J. Tempere
TFVS, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
J. T. Devreese
TFVS, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, B2610 Antwerpen, Belgium

Both the trapping geometry and the interatomic interaction strength of a dilute ultracold fermionic gas can be well controlled experimentally. When the interactions are tuned to strong attraction, Cooper pairing of neutral atoms takes place and a BCS super fluid is created. Alternatively, the presence of Feshbach resonances in the interatomic scattering allow populating a molecular (bound) state. These molecules are more tightly bound than the Cooper pairs and can form a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). In this contribution, we describe both the BCS and BEC regimes, and the crossover, from a functional integral point of view. The path-integral description allows to derive the properties of the super-fluid (such as vortices and Josephson tunneling) and follow them as the system is tuned from BCS the BEC.

PACS: 03.75.-b, 03.75.Lm
Keywords: super fluidity, BEC/BCS crossover
File size: 233 KB




Path-integral evaluation of the kinetic isotope effects based on the quantum-instanton approximation

J. Vanicek, W. H. Miller
Department of Chemistry and Kenneth S. Pitzer Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA

A general method for computing kinetic isotope effects is described. The method uses the quantum-instanton approximation and is based on the thermodynamic integration with respect to the mass of the isotopes and on the path-integral Monte-Carlo evaluation of relevant thermodynamic quantities. The central ingredients of the method are the Monte-Carlo estimators for the logarithmic derivatives of the partition function and the delta-delta correlation function. Several alternative estimators for these quantities are described here and their merits are compared on the benchmark hydrogen-exchange reaction, H+H2->H2+H on the Truhlar-Kuppermann potential energy surface. Finally, a qualitative discussion of issues arising in many-dimensional systems is provided.

PACS: 05.10.-a, 05.30.-d
Keywords: kinetic isotope effect, quantum instanton approximation
File size: 195 KB