Quantum Mechanics In Phase Space: An Overview With Selected Papers: 34 (World Scientific Series In 20th Century Physics) - Hardcover

Wigner's quasi-probability distribution function in phase space is a special (Weyl) representation of the density matrix. It has been useful in describing quantum transport in quantum optics; nuclear physics; decoherence, quantum computing, and quantum chaos. It is also important in signal processing and the mathematics of algebraic deformation. A remarkable aspect of its internal logic, pioneered by Groenewold and Moyal, has only emerged in the last quarter-century: it furnishes a third, alternative, formulation of quantum mechanics, independent of the conventional Hilbert space, or path integral formulations.In this logically complete and self-standing formulation, one need not choose sides - coordinate or momentum space. It works in full phase space, accommodating the uncertainty principle, and it offers unique insights into the classical limit of quantum theory. This invaluable book is a collection of the seminal papers on the formulation, with an introductory overview which provides a trail map for those papers; an extensive bibliography; and simple illustrations, suitable for applications to a broad range of physics problems. It can provide supplementary material for a beginning graduate course in quantum mechanics.

In addition to the presentation speeches and the Nobel lectures, these volumes also provide brief biographies and the Nobel laureates' own accounts of their many years of preparation and effort that led to their achievements. The last decade of the twentieth century is already proving to be as dramatic as any decade before. The chances of global peace seem stronger now than at any time since 1900 and the people and organizations that have contributed most towards this progress are recognized by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The Nobel Peace prizewinners during the period 1996 - 2000 include men, women and organizations whose principles, dedication and diligence continue to shape history. Below is a list of the prizewinners during the period 1996 - 2000. (1996) C F X BELO & J RAMOS-HORTA - for their work towards a just and peaceful solution to the conflict in East Timor; (1997) INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO BAN LANDMINES (ICBL) & J WILLIAMS - for their work for the banning and cleaning of anti-personnel mines; (1998) J HUME & D TRIMBLE - for their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland; (1999) DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS - in recognition of the organization's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents; (2000) D J KIM - for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular.