In a very general class of one-dimensional quantum spin systems, the infinite volume limit of the complex-time evolution of a local observable is an entire analytic function of the time variable and obeys a locality principle. This result has recently been used to prove a number of important results in statistical mechanics. In dimensions greater than one, although it has not been expected that the infinite volume limit of the complex-time evolution of a general local observable will be entire analytic, nothing rigorous has been established concerning the breakdown of analyticity or the nature of the singularities, if they exist. In this work we begin by presenting a possible approach to proving locality bounds for the complex-time dynamics of a general class of quantum spin systems in any dimension. Then we specifically apply this approach to the one-dimensional case, and establish entire analyticity of the dynamics as a corollary. In dimensions greater than one, ideas related to the much studied Eden growth process suggest that a similar locality result will also hold. In particular, we establish an upper bound on the expected perimeter of lattice animals grown according to an Eden growth process, and note that a similar upper bound on a closely related average perimeter would lead to a locality result in the plane. Finally, and perhaps unexpectedly, we demonstrate through a specific construction that such a locality result does not hold in general and that the infinite volume limit of the complex-time dynamics can blow up a finite distance along the imaginary-time axis.

A self-contained, mathematical introduction to the driving ideas in equilibrium statistical mechanics, studying important models in detail.

This monograph provides an introduction to the rapidly growing field of Quantum Hamiltonian Complexity, which includes the study of quantum constraint satisfaction problems. It provides a computer science-oriented introduction to the subject in order to help bridge the language barrier between computer scientists and physicists in the field.

Topological quantum computation is a computational paradigm based on topological phases of matter, which are governed by topological quantum field theories. In this approach, information is stored in the lowest energy states of many-anyon systems and processed by braiding non-abelian anyons. The computational answer is accessed by bringing anyons together and observing the result. Besides its theoretical esthetic appeal, the practical merit of the topological approach lies in its error-minimizing hypothetical hardware: topological phases of matter are fault-avoiding or deaf to most local noises, and unitary gates are implemented with exponential accuracy. Experimental realizations are pursued in systems such as fractional quantum Hall liquids and topological insulators. This book expands on the author's CBMS lectures on knots and topological quantum computing and is intended as a primer for mathematically inclined graduate students. With an emphasis on introducing basic notions and current research, this book gives the first coherent account of the field, covering a wide range of topics: Temperley-Lieb-Jones theory, the quantum circuit model, ribbon fusion category theory, topological quantum field theory, anyon theory, additive approximation of the Jones polynomial, anyonic quantum computing models, and mathematical models of topological phases of matter.

Describes particle physics and critical phenomena in statistical mechanics in a unified framework, incorporating graduate lecture notes from the 1970s and 1980s at several universities in Europe and the US. Deals with general field theory, functional integrals, and functional methods; renormalization properties of theories with symmetries and specific applications to particle physics; lattice gauge theories and asymptotic freedom in four dimensions; and the role of instantons and the application of instanton calculus to the large-order behavior of perturbation theory and the problem of summation of the perturbative expansion. Several chapters close with exercise, solutions or hints for which are provided. No dates are noted for the previous editions. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Reissued in the Cambridge Mathematical Library this classic book outlines the theory of thermodynamic formalism which was developed to describe the properties of certain physical systems consisting of a large number of subunits. It is aimed at mathematicians interested in ergodic theory, topological dynamics, constructive quantum field theory, the study of certain differentiable dynamical systems, notably Anosov diffeomorphisms and flows. It is also of interest to theoretical physicists concerned with the conceptual basis of equilibrium statistical mechanics. The level of the presentation is generally advanced, the objective being to provide an efficient research tool and a text for use in graduate teaching. Background material on mathematics has been collected in appendices to help the reader. Extra material is given in the form of updates of problems that were open at the original time of writing and as a new preface specially written for this new edition by the author.

This book collects selected papers written by invited and plenary speakers of the 15th International Congress on Mathematical Physics (ICMP) in the aftermath of the conference. In extensive review articles and expository texts as well as advanced research articles the world leading experts present the state of the art in modern mathematical physics. New mathematical concepts and ideas are introduced by prominent mathematicalphysicists and mathematicians, covering among others the fields of Dynamical Systems, Operator Algebras, Partial Differential Equations, Probability Theory, Random Matrices, Condensed Matter Physics, Statistical Mechanics, General Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Information and String Theory. All together the contributions in this book give a panoramic view of the latest developments in mathematical physics. They will help readers with a general interest in mathematical physics to get an update on the most recent developments in their field, and give a broad overview on actual and future research directions in this fascinating and rapidly expanding area.

The book presents nonlinear, chaotic and fractional dynamics, complex systems and networks, together with cutting-edge research on related topics. The fifteen chapters – written by leading scientists working in the areas of nonlinear, chaotic, and fractional dynamics, as well as complex systems and networks – offer an extensive overview of cutting-edge research on a range of topics, including fundamental and applied research. These include but are not limited to, aspects of synchronization in complex dynamical systems, universality features in systems with specific fractional dynamics, and chaotic scattering. As such, the book provides an excellent and timely snapshot of the current state of research, blending the insights and experiences of many prominent researchers.