Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- I Classical mathematics and physics
- II Bound states in quantum mechanics
- 4 Time-independent quantum mechanics
- 5 Independent-electron models
- 6 Time-dependent theory and linear response
- III Continuum states and scattering theory
- IV Field theories
- References and bibliography
- Index
6 - Time-dependent theory and linear response
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 December 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- I Classical mathematics and physics
- II Bound states in quantum mechanics
- 4 Time-independent quantum mechanics
- 5 Independent-electron models
- 6 Time-dependent theory and linear response
- III Continuum states and scattering theory
- IV Field theories
- References and bibliography
- Index
Summary
In the quantum theory of interacting electrons, a physically correct theory of time dependence should in principle be formulated as a relativistic quantum field theory. The physical model is that of electrons, each characterized by a probability distribution over space-time events xi, ti, that interact indirectly through the quantized electromagnetic field. This theory is simplified for particular applications by neglecting true radiative effects of quantum electrodynamics, and by passing to the limit of large c, the velocity of light in vacuo.
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- Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2002