Irreversible Quantum Dynamics

Geoffrey L. Sewell (auth.), Fabio Benatti, Roberto Floreanini (eds.)3540402233, 9783540402237

This set of tutorial reviews is dedicated to all aspects of irreversibility and time asymmetry in quantum mechanics. The main themes addressed are:

– theoretical aspects of quantum irreversible dynamics

– open quantum systems and applications

– foundational aspects of irreversible quantum dynamics

– asymmetric time evolution and resonances

This volume will benefit graduate students and researchers looking for a readable account of the current status of the field. It is also suited for lecturers looking for advanced material for their courses and seminars.

Table of contents :
Quantum Theory of Irreversibility: Open Systems and Continuum Mechanics….Pages 7-30
Selected Aspects of Markovian and Non-Markovian Quantum Master Equations….Pages 31-46
Aspects of Open Quantum Dynamics….Pages 47-63
Concepts and Methods in the Theory of Open Quantum Systems….Pages 65-79
Decoherence-Free Subspaces and Subsystems….Pages 83-120
Controlled Quantum Open Systems….Pages 121-139
Three Different Manifestations of the Quantum Zeno Effect….Pages 141-156
Progressive Decoherence and Total Environmental Disentanglement….Pages 157-163
Dynamics of Dissipative Quantum Systems: From Path Integrals to Master Equations….Pages 165-178
Quantum Entropies in a Classical Context….Pages 179-193
Irreversibility and the Foundations of Quantum Mechanics….Pages 197-219
An Attempt at Relativistic Spontaneous Localization….Pages 221-231
The Quantum Jump Approach and Quantum Trajectories….Pages 233-242
Irreversibility, Resonances and Rigged Hilbert Spaces….Pages 245-302
Markovian Master Equations and Resonances in Quantum Open Systems….Pages 303-314
A New Topology for an Axiom of Quantum Mechanics….Pages 315-326
The Importance of Boundary Conditions in Quantum Mechanics….Pages 327-339
Time Asymmetric Quantum Mechanics and Relativistic Resonances….Pages 341-356
Irreversibility in the Framework of Hermitian and Non-Hermitian Treatments of Resonance States….Pages 357-369