CaltechTHESIS
  A Caltech Library Service

Kinetic theory of normal quantum fluids

Citation

Smith, Jeffrey Bernard (1975) Kinetic theory of normal quantum fluids. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/SWXM-ZG90. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07102014-095132104

Abstract

Close to equilibrium, a normal Bose or Fermi fluid can be described by an exact kinetic equation whose kernel is nonlocal in space and time. The general expression derived for the kernel is evaluated to second order in the interparticle potential. The result is a wavevector- and frequency-dependent generalization of the linear Uehling-Uhlenbeck kernel with the Born approximation cross section.

The theory is formulated in terms of second-quantized phase space operators whose equilibrium averages are the n-particle Wigner distribution functions. Convenient expressions for the commutators and anticommutators of the phase space operators are obtained. The two-particle equilibrium distribution function is analyzed in terms of momentum-dependent quantum generalizations of the classical pair distribution function h(k) and direct correlation function c(k). The kinetic equation is presented as the equation of motion of a two -particle correlation function, the phase space density-density anticommutator, and is derived by a formal closure of the quantum BBGKY hierarchy. An alternative derivation using a projection operator is also given. It is shown that the method used for approximating the kernel by a second order expansion preserves all the sum rules to the same order, and that the second-order kernel satisfies the appropriate positivity and symmetry conditions.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Chemistry, Kinetic theory, quantum fluids
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Corngold, Noel Robert
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:28 May 1975
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:07102014-095132104
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:07102014-095132104
DOI:10.7907/SWXM-ZG90
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8533
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Dan Anguka
Deposited On:10 Jul 2014 17:29
Last Modified:09 Nov 2022 19:20

Thesis Files

[img]
Preview
PDF - Final Version
See Usage Policy.

7MB

Repository Staff Only: item control page