Field Theory of Non-Equilibrium Systems

The physics of non-equilibrium many-body systems is one of the most rapidly expanding areas of theoretical physics. Traditionally used in the study of laser physics and superconducting kinetics, these techniques have more recently found applications in the study of dynamics of cold atomic gases, mesoscopic and nano-mechanical systems. The book gives a self-contained presentation of the modern functional approach to non-equilibrium field-theoretical methods. They are applied to examples ranging from biophysics to the kinetics of superfluids and superconductors. Its step-by-step treatment gives particular emphasis to the pedagogical aspects, making it ideal as a reference for advanced graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics.

• Takes readers from first principles to advanced applications, with emphasis on the pedagogical aspects
• Provides a unifying perspective, covering diverse areas of physics within the same formalism
• Uses a modern functional language to bring the reader to the forefront of the current research and literature