Quantum Kinetic Theory and Applications

This lecture-style monograph is addressed to several categories of readers. First, it will be useful for graduate students studying theory. Second, the topics covered should be interesting for postgraduate students of various specializations. Third, the researchers who want to understand the background of modern theoretical issues in more detail can find a number of useful results here. The phenomena covered involve kinetics of electron, phonon, and photon systems in solids. The dynamical properties and interactions of electrons, phonons, and photons are briefly described in Chapter 1. Further, in Chapters 2-8, the authors present the main theoretical methods: linear response theory, various kinetic equations for the quasiparticles under consideration, and diagram technique. The presentation of the key approaches is always accompanied by solutions of concrete problems to illustrate ways to apply the theory. The remaining chapters are devoted to various manifestations of quantum transport in solids. The choice of particular topics is determined by their scientific importance and methodological value. The 267 supplementary problems presented in the ends of chapters are offered to guide the reader in self-study. Focusing attention on the methodological aspects and discussing a great diversity of kinetic phenomena, in keeping with the guiding principle "a method is more important than a result", the authors minimize both detailed discussion of physical mechanisms of the phenomena considered and comparison of theoretical results to experimental data. The monograph provides the theoretical basis and physical interpretation of our current understanding of the quantum kinetic processes in various systems. Although the kinetic phenomena became the subject of scientific studies starting from the Boltzman's publications in the end of 19-th century, it was not until 1960-1980 that the quantum kinetic phenomena have been promoted to the forefront of research. Among the reasons of this progress are i) development of low temperature physics, ii) advances in
modern technology (in particular, the possibility to produce nanoscale structures), and iii) realization of quantum devices based on band engineering such as lasers, transistors, and photonic devices. Recent challenges in the practical implementations of the quantum kinetics involve quantum information processing and solid-state devices for THz spectral range.
The text begins with a description of electron, phonon, and photon excitations (the systems with order parameter such as superconductors and ferromagnets are not considered). In the first part (chapters 2-8) we consider quantum kinetic equations for electrons and bosons and different variants of diagram techniques. The second part is mostly devoted to various modern applications of the quantum kinetic theory. The last chapter describes the theory of fluctuations.
Intended for graduate and post-graduate students, physicists, and engineers conducting research on solid state physics and novel device applications. The treatment presumes background knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid state physics.