Jean-claude Zambrini - Böcker

This book is made up of two essays on the role of time in probability and quantum physics. In the first one, K L Chung explains why, in his view, probability theory starts where random time appears. This idea is illustrated in various probability schemes and the deep impact of those random times on the theory of the stochastic process is shown.In the second essay J-C Zambrini shows why quantum physics is not a regular probabilistic theory, but also why stochastic analysis provides new tools for analyzing further the meaning of Feynman's path integral approach and a number of foundational issues of quantum physics far beyond what is generally considered. The role of the time parameter, in this theory, is critically re-examined and a fresh way to approach the long-standing problem of the quantum time observable is suggested.

This book is made up of two essays on the role of time in probability and quantum physics. In the first one, K L Chung explains why, in his view, probability theory starts where random time appears. This idea is illustrated in various probability schemes and the deep impact of those random times on the theory of the stochastic process is shown.In the second essay J-C Zambrini shows why quantum physics is not a regular probabilistic theory, but also why stochastic analysis provides new tools for analyzing further the meaning of Feynman's path integral approach and a number of foundational issues of quantum physics far beyond what is generally considered. The role of the time parameter, in this theory, is critically re-examined and a fresh way to approach the long-standing problem of the quantum time observable is suggested.

The book collects a series of papers centered on two main streams: Feynman path integral approach to Quantum Mechanics and statistical mechanics of quantum open systems. Key authors discuss the state-of-the-art within their fields of expertise. In addition, the volume includes a number of contributed papers with new results, which have been thoroughly refereed.The contributions in this volume highlight emergent research in the area of stochastic analysis and mathematical physics, focusing, in particular on Feynman functional integral approach and, on the other hand, in quantum probability. The book is addressed to an audience of mathematical physicists, as well as specialists in probability theory, stochastic analysis and operator algebras.The proceedings have been selected for coverage in:• Index to Scientific & Technical Proceedings (ISTP CDROM version / ISI Proceedings)• CC Proceedings — Engineering & Physical Sciences

In 2003 the XIV International Congress on Mathematical Physics (ICMP) was held in Lisbon with more than 500 participants. Twelve plenary talks were given in various fields of Mathematical Physics: E Carlen «On the relation between the Master equation and the Boltzmann Equation in Kinetic Theory»; A Chenciner «Symmetries and “simple” solutions of the classical n-body problem»; M J Esteban «Relativistic models in atomic and molecular physics»; K Fredenhagen «Locally covariant quantum field theory»; K Gawedzki «Simple models of turbulent transport»; I Krichever «Algebraic versus Liouville integrability of the soliton systems»; R V Moody «Long-range order and diffraction in mathematical quasicrystals»; S Smirnov «Critical percolation and conformal invariance»; J P Solovej «The energy of charged matter»; V Schomerus «Strings through the microscope»; C Villani «Entropy production and convergence to equilibrium for the Boltzmann equation»; D Voiculescu «Aspects of free probability».The book collects as well carefully selected invited Session Talks in: Dynamical Systems, Integrable Systems and Random Matrix Theory, Condensed Matter Physics, Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Operator Algebras and Quantum Information, String and M Theory, Fluid Dynamics and Nonlinear PDE, General Relativity, Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics and Spectral Theory, Path Integrals and Stochastic Analysis.