An Introduction to Macroscopic Quantum Phenomena and Quantum Dissipation

Reviewing macroscopic quantum phenomena and quantum dissipation, from the phenomenology of magnetism and superconductivity to the presentation of alternative models for quantum dissipation, this book develops the basic material necessary to understand the quantum dynamics of macroscopic variables. Macroscopic quantum phenomena are presented through several examples in magnetism and superconductivity, developed from general phenomenological approaches to each area. Dissipation naturally plays an important role in these phenomena, and therefore semi-empirical models for quantum dissipation are introduced and applied to the study of a few important quantum mechanical effects. The book also discusses the relevance of macroscopic quantum phenomena to the control of meso- or nanoscopic devices, particularly those with potential applications in quantum computation or quantum information. It is ideal for graduate students and researchers.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Elements of magnetism; 3. Elements of superconductivity; 4. Brownian motion; 5. Models for quantum dissipation; 6. Implementation of the propagator approach; 7. The damped harmonic oscillator; 8. Dissipative quantum tunnelling; 9. Dissipative coherent tunnelling; 10. Outlook; Appendixes; References; Index.

A. O. Caldeira is a professor at the Instituto de Física 'Gleb Wataghin', the Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. His main research interests are in condensed matter systems at low temperatures, in particular, quantum statistical dynamics of non-isolated systems and strongly correlated systems in low dimensionality.