The motion of a particle undergoing quantum tunneling has long been an open and debated problem in several aspects. One of the most discussed is the determination of the time spent in such processes, but many other features deserve consideration. In this volume, both theoretical and experimental aspects, such as quantum measurement, optical analogy, experimental tests, solid state devices and time scale for anomalies (quantum Zeno effect and superluminal evanescence), are explored.
"The motion of a particle undergoing quantum tunneling has long been an open and debated problem in several aspects. One of the most discussed is the determination of the time spent in such processes, but many other features deserve consideration. In this volume, both theoretical and experimental aspects, such as quantum measurement, optical analogy, experimental tests, solid state devices and time scale for anomalies (quantum Zeno effect and superluminal evanescence), are explored."--Publisher's website
This is a collection of pedagogical lectures and research papers that were presented during a combined course/conference program held at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste in the summer of 1991. The lectures begin from an elementary level and were intended to bring student participants to the point where they could appreciate the research conference that came at the end of program.
This book is an exposition of the algebra and calculus of differential forms, of the Clifford and Spin-Clifford bundle formalisms, and of vistas to a formulation of important concepts of differential geometry indispensable for an in-depth understanding of space-time physics. The formalism discloses the hidden geometrical nature of spinor fields. Maxwell, Dirac and Einstein fields are shown to have representatives by objects of the same mathematical nature, namely sections of an appropriate Clifford bundle. This approach reveals unity in diversity and suggests relationships that are hidden in the standard formalisms and opens new paths for research. This thoroughly revised second edition also adds three new chapters: on the Clifford bundle approach to the Riemannian or semi-Riemannian differential geometry of branes; on Komar currents in the context of the General Relativity theory; and an analysis of the similarities and main differences between Dirac, Majorana and ELKO spinor fields. The exercises with solutions, the comprehensive list of mathematical symbols, and the list of acronyms and abbreviations are provided for self-study for students as well as for classes. From the reviews of the first edition: “The text is written in a very readable manner and is complemented with plenty of worked-out exercises which are in the style of extended examples. ... their book could also serve as a textbook for graduate students in physics or mathematics." (Alberto Molgado, Mathematical Reviews, 2008 k)
Novel phenomena in submicron semiconductor devices and small Josephson junctions emphasize the need to understand quantum mechanical coherence and tunneling in mesoscopic and macroscopic systems. These proceedings review the recent experimental and theoretical progress and discuss new concepts, techniques and results.
In recent years very active research has been going on to understand the physics and chemistry of clusters, an intermediate state of matter between atoms and solids. Great excitement has been added to these efforts with the recent discovery of a new form of carbon, the fullerene and its aggregates, and subsequent observations of superconductivity with alkali doping. This volume critically reviews the recent progress made in the area of clusters and discusses the new problems opened up with the ongoing developments in fullerenes.
This textbook, pitched at the advanced-undergraduate to beginning-graduate level, focuses on mathematical topics of relevance in contemporary physics that are not usually covered in texts at the same level. Its main purpose is to help students appreciate and take advantage of the modern trend of very productive symbiosis between physics and mathematics. Three major areas are covered: (1) linear operators; (2) group representations and Lie algebra representations; (3) topology and differential geometry.The following are noteworthy features of this book: the style of exposition is a fusion of those common in the standard physics and mathematics literatures; the level of exposition varies from quite elementary to moderately advanced, so that the book is of interest to a wide audience; despite the diversity of the topics covered, there is a strong degree of thematic unity; much care is devoted to detailed cross-referencing so that, from any part of the book, the reader can trace easily where specific concepts or techniques are introduced.
It has become clear in recent years that finding real chaotic behaviour in the sense of phenomena that persist in time does not exist for quantum systems. But still the question persists as what are the quantum manifestations of classical chaos, or rather how does a quantum system behave whose classical counterpart is chaotic. These proceedings discuss different contemporary aspects of this problem, experimental as well as theoretical.
