Progress in Mathematical Physics – serie

This workshop held at the University of North Carolina was in the series which started with meetings in the University of New Hampshire (April 1980) and the University of Michigan (April 1981). More than one hundred participants congregated in the Carolina Inn in April 1982 to discuss the status of grand unified theories and their connection to experiment. The spring foliage of Chapel Hill provided a beautiful back-drop to this Third Workshop on Grand Unification. As mentioned in the first talk herein, these three workshops have heard of indications, respectively, of neutrino oscillations, proton decay and a magnetic monopole. Since all three experimental reports remain unconfirmed, grand unifiers must wait expectantly and patiently. These proceedings preserve faithfully the ordering of the workshop talks which followed the tradition of alternation between theory and experiment. Only our introduction will segregate them. The experimental presentations mainly concerned proton decay and massive neutrinos. Four U.S. proton decay experiments were reported: the Brookhaven­ Irvine-Michigan experiment in the Morton Salt Mine at Fairport Harbor, Ohio was described by WILLIAM KROPP, and ROBERT MORSE represented the Harvard-Purdue-Wisconsin group in the Silver King Mine, Utah. The Homestake Mine, South Dakota and Soudan Mine, Minnesota, experiments were reported respectively by RICHARD STEINBERG and DAVID AYRES, the latter providing also a survey of future U.S. experiments.

This systematic and self-contained treatment of the theory of three-dimensional spinors and their applications fills an important gap in the literature. Without using the customary Clifford algebras frequently studied in connection with the representations of orthogonal groups, spinors are developed in this work for three-dimensional spaces in a language analogous to the spinor formalism used in relativistic spacetime.This work will serve graduate students and researchers in mathematics and mathematical and theoretical physics; it is suitable as a course or seminar text, as a reference text, and may also be used for self-study.

One of the mathematical challenges of modern physics lies in the development of new tools to efficiently describe different branches of physics within one mathematical framework. This text introduces precisely such a broad mathematical model, one that gives a clear geometric expression of the symmetry of physical laws and is entirely determined by that symmetry.The first three chapters discuss the occurrence of bounded symmetric domains (BSDs) or homogeneous balls and their algebraic structure in physics. The book further provides a discussion of how to obtain a triple algebraic structure associated to an arbitrary BSD; the relation between the geometry of the domain and the algebraic structure is explored as well. The last chapter contains a classification of BSDs revealing the connection between the classical and the exceptional domains.

Conformal groups play a key role in geometry and spin structures. This book provides a self-contained overview of this important area of mathematical physics, beginning with its origins in the works of Cartan and Chevalley and progressing to recent research in spinors and conformal geometry.Key topics:* The first chapter focuses on the basic material on Clifford algebras and spinor spaces, along with the necessary mathematical tools * The second chapter examines conformal spin geometry, starting with an elementary study of the classical conformal group in Euclidean space; it then treats covering groups of the conformal group and includes a section on the complex group * Conformal flat geometry and "conformal spinor groups" are introduced, and the text proceeds through a systematic development of manifolds endowed with conformal spin-structure and the theory of conformal connections* Chapter III covers conformal symplectic geometry and includes a discussion of conformal symplectic flat geometry and the covering groups of the real conformal symplectic group* The final chapter provides a detailed treatment of conformal pseudo-unitary spin structures, with emphasis on projective quadrics and pseudo-Hermitian spaces and their associated Clifford algebrasAll the major aspects of the field are introduced, followed by detailed descriptions and definitions; the books comprehensive index and bibliography give further directions for study and research.Rich in exercises that are accompanied by full proofs and many hints, this work will be ideal as a course text or as a self-study volume for senior undergraduates and graduate students. Its scope and clarity as a reference will also appeal to instructors and researchers in mathematics and physics.

Arnold Sommerfeld's "Mathematische Theorie der Diffraction" marks a milestone in optical theory, full of insights that are still relevant today. In a stunning tour de force, Sommerfeld derives the first mathematically rigorous solution of an optical diffraction problem. Indeed, his diffraction analysis is a surprisingly rich and complex mix of pure and applied mathematics, and his often-cited diffraction solution is presented only as an application of a much more general set of mathematical results. The body of Sommerfeld's work is devoted to the systematic development of a method for deriving solutions of the wave equation on Riemann surfaces, a fascinating but perhaps underappreciated topic in mathematical physics.

This monograph, unique in the literature, is the first to develop a mathematical theory of gravitational lensing. The theory applies to any finite number of deflector planes and highlights the distinctions between single and multiple plane lensing. Introductory material in Parts I and II present historical highlights and the astrophysical aspects of the subject. Among the lensing topics discussed are multiple quasars, giant luminous arcs, Einstein rings, the detection of dark matter and planets with lensing, time delays and the age of the universe (Hubble's constant), microlensing of stars and quasars. The main part of the book - Part III - employs the ideas and results of singularity theory to put gravitational lensing on a rigorous mathematical foundation and solve certain key lensing problems. Results are published here for the first time. Mathematical topics discussed: Morse theory, Whitney singularity theory, Thom catastrophe theory, Mather stability theory, Arnold singularity theory, and the Euler characteristic via projectivized rotation numbers.These tools are applied to the study of stable lens systems, local and global geometry of caustics, caustic metamorphoses, multiple lensed images, lensed image magnification, magnification cross sections, and lensing by singular and nonsingular deflectors. Examples, illustrations, bibliography and index make this a suitable text for an undergraduate/graduate course, seminar, or independent thesis project on gravitational lensing. The book is also an excellent reference text for professional mathematicians, mathematical physicists, astrophysicists, and physicists.

The emphasis in this text is on classical electromagnetic theory and electrodynamics, that is, dynamical solutions to the Lorentz-force and Maxwell's equations. The natural appearance of the Minkowski spacetime metric in the paravector space of Clifford's geometric algebra is used to formulate a covariant treatment in special relativity that seamlessly connects spacetime concepts to the spatial vector treatments common in undergraduate texts. Baylis' geometrical interpretation, using such powerful tools as spinors and projectors, essentially allows a component-free notation and avoids the clutter of indices required in tensorial treatments. The exposition is clear and progresses systematically - from a discussion of electromagnetic units and an explanation of how the SI system can be readily converted to the Gaussian or natural Heaviside-Lorentz systems, to an introduction of geometric algebra and the paravector model of spacetime, and finally, special relativity. Other topics include Maxwell's equation(s), the Lorentz-force law, the Fresnel equations, electromagnetic waves and polarization, wave guides, radiation from accelerating charges and time-dependent currents, the Liénard-Wiechert potentials, and radiation reaction, all of which benefit from the modern relativistic approach. Numerous worked examples and exercises dispersed throughout the text help the reader understand new concepts and facilitate self-study of the material. Each chapter concludes with a set of problems, many with answers. Complete solutions are also available. An excellent feature is the integration of Maple into the text, thereby facilitating difficult calculations. To download accompanying Maple worksheets, please visit http://www.cs.uwindsor.ca/users/b/baylis

Direct involvement with the subject area of the present work dates from my years with NASA at its Electronics Research Center (ERC) in Cambridge, M- sachusetts, in the 1960s. However, my approach to the problems of mathem- ical physics had been shaped earlier in my time as a graduate student in the Mathematics Department at MIT. The passage of time tends merely to further enhance my appreciation of that graduate study program, where I had the b- e?t of the intensive courses from Norman Levinson, C.-C. Lin, Jurgen ¨ Moser, and Eric Reissner. In the case of Reissner, my years as research assistant were a formative apprenticeship — one could say on the “shop-?oor”. The stimulus to organize my convictions in book form came from my friends at Birkh¨ auser Boston, and I wish to thank Ann Kostant for providing me with the opportunity and support in producing it; a special thanks goes to Edwin Beschler, formerly of Birkh¨ auser, for his consistent encouragement over the years. In the course of writing, I had the good-humored support and invaluable help from my one-time teacher and long-time friend, Vincent Hart. He read each chapter as it was written and his sharp eye picked up my many slips and errors. More signi?cantly, his persistent questioning on the original form of Chapter 3 forced me to address all parameter ranges and provide solution forms to cover all possibilities for the case of negative energy.

The first part of a two-volume set concerning the field of Clifford (geometric) algebra, this work consists of thematically organized chapters that provide a broad overview of cutting-edge topics in mathematical physics and the physical applications of Clifford algebras. This volume is devoted specifically to the mathematical aspects of Clifford algebras and their applications in physics. Algebraic geometry, cohomology, non-communicative spaces, "q"-deformations and the related quantum groups, and projective geometry provide the basis for algebraic topics covered. Physical applications and extensions of physical theories such as the theory of quaternionic spin, a projective theory of hadron transformation laws, and electron scattering are also presented, showing the broad applicability of Clifford geometric algebras in solving physical problems. Treatment of the structure theory of quantum Clifford algebras, the connection to logic, group representations, and computational techniques including symbolic calculations and theorem proving rounds out the presentation.

The second part of a two-volume set concerning the field of Clifford (geometric) algebra, this work consists of thematically organized chapters that provide a broad overview of cutting-edge topics in mathematical physics and the physical applications of Clifford algebras. This volume is a survey of most aspects of Clifford analysis. Topics range from applications such as complex-distance potential theory, supersymmetry, and fluid dynamics to Fourier analysis, the study of boundary value problems, and applications, to mathematical physics and Schwarzian derivatives in Euclidean space. Among the mathematical topics examined are generalized Dirac operators, holonomy groups, monogenic and hypermonogenic functions and their derivatives, quaternionic Beltrami equations, Fourier theory under Mobius transformations, Cauchy-Reimann operators, and Cauchy type integrals.

Disorder is one of the central topics in science today. Over the past 15 years various aspects of the effects of disorder have changed a number of paradigms in mathematics and physics. One such effect is a phenomenon called localization, which describes the very strange behaviour of waves in random media. Instead of travelling through space as they do in ordered environments, localized waves stay in a confined region and are caught by disorder. This work is the first treatment of the subject in monograph or textbook form. The study of disorder has generated enormous research activity in mathematics and physics. Over the past 15 years various aspects of the subject have changed a number of paradigms and have inspired the discovery of deep mathematical techniques to deal with complex problems arising from the effects of disorder. One important effect is a phenomenon called localization, which describes the very strange behaviour of waves in random media -the fact that waves, instead of travelling through space as they do in ordered environments, stay in a confined region (caught by disorder). To date, there is no treatment of this subject in monograph or textbook form.This book fills that gap. "Caught by Disorder" presents: an introduction to disorder that can be grasped by graduate students in a hands-on way; a concise, mathematically rigorous examination of some particular models of disordered systems; a detailed application of the localization phenomenon, worked out in two typical model classes that keep the technicalities at a reasonable level; a thorough examination of new mathematical machinery, in particular, the method of multi-scale analysis; a number of key unsolved problems; an appendix containing the prerequisites of operator theory, as well as other proofs; and examples, illustrations, comprehensive bibliography, author and keyword index. Mathematical background for this book requires only a knowledge of pdes, functional analysis - mainly operator theory and spectral theory - and elementary probability theory.

This book presents a fresh, original exposition of the foundations of classical electrodynamics in the tradition of the so-called metric-free approach. The fundamental structure of classical electrodynamics is described in the form of six axioms: (1) electric charge conservation, (2) existence of the Lorentz force, (3) magnetic flux conservation, (4) localization of electromagnetic energy-momentum, (5) existence of an electromagnetic spacetime relation, and (6) splitting of the electric current into material and external pieces.The first four axioms require an arbitrary 4-dimensional differentiable manifold. The fifth axiom characterizes spacetime as the environment in which the electromagnetic field propagates - a research topic of considerable interest - and in which the metric tensor of spacetime makes its appearance, thus coupling electromagnetism and gravitation. Repeated emphasis is placed on interweaving the mathematical definitions of physical notions and the actual physical measurement procedures.The tool for formulating the theory is the calculus of exterior differential forms, which is explained in sufficient detail, along with the corresponding computer algebra programs.Prerequisites for the reader include a knowledge of elementary electrodynamics (with Maxwell's equations), linear algebra and elementary vector analysis; some knowledge of differential geometry would help. "Foundations of Classical Electrodynamics" unfolds systematically at a level suitable for graduate students and researchers in mathematics, physics, and electrical engineering.

Physics has long been regarded as a wellspring of mathematical problems. ++Mathematical Methods in Physics++((kursiv)) is a self-contained presentation, driven by historic motivations, excellent examples, detailed proofs, and a focus on those parts of mathematics that are needed in more ambitious courses on quantum mechanics and classical and quantum field theory. Aimed primarily at a broad community of graduate students in mathematics, mathematical physics, physics and engineering, as well as researchers in these disciplines. A comprehensive bibliography and index round out the work.

Steady progress in recent years has been made in understanding the special mathematical features of certain exactly solvable models in statistical mechanics and quantum field theory, including the scaling limits of the 2-D Ising (lattice) model, and more generally, a class of 2-D quantum fields known as holonomic fields. New results have made it possible to obtain a detailed nonperturbative analysis of the multi-spin correlations. In particular, the book focuses on deformation analysis of the scaling functions of the Ising model, and will appeal to graduate students, mathematicians, and physicists interested in the mathematics of statistical mechanics and quantum field theory.

The subject of Clifford algebras has become an increasingly rich area of research with a significant number of important applications not only to mathematical physics but to numerical analysis, harmonic analysis, and computer science. The main treatment is devoted to the analysis of systems of linear partial differential equations (PDEs) with constant coefficients, focusing attention on null solutions of Dirac systems.Knowledge from different fields of mathematics such as commutative algebra, Grobner bases, sheaf theory, cohomology, topological vector spaces, and generalized functions (distributions and hyperfunctions) is required of the reader. However, all the necessary classical material is initially presented.The book may be used by graduate students and researchers interested in (hyper)complex analysis, Clifford analysis, systems of PDEs with constant coefficients, and mathematical physics.

Developments in mathematical physics during the second half of the 20th century influenced a number of mathematical areas, among the more significant being representation theory, differential equations, combinatorics, and algebraic geometry. In all of them, the dynamic role of integrable models has been central, largely due to two essential properties: the fact that integrable models possess infinite degrees of freedom and infinite dimensional symmetries. This volume, dedicated to Barry M. McCoy on the occasion of his sixtieth birthday, focuses on the ongoing importance of integrability in covering the following topics: conformal field theory, massive quantum field theory, solvable lattice models, quantum affine algebras, the Painlev, equations and combinatorics.

This work examines the beautiful and important physical concept known as the 'geometric phase,' bringing together different physical phenomena under a unified mathematical and physical scheme. Several well-established geometric and topological methods underscore the mathematical treatment of the subject, emphasizing a coherent perspective at a rather sophisticated level. What is unique in this text is that both the quantum and classical phases are studied from a geometric point of view, providing valuable insights into their relationship that have not been previously emphasized at the textbook level. Key Topics and Features: - Background material presents basic mathematical tools on manifolds and differential forms? Topological invariants (Chern classes and homotopy theory) are explained in simple and concrete language, with emphasis on physical applications? Berry's adiabatic phase and its generalizations are introduced - Systematic exposition treats different geometries (e. g. , symplectic and metric structures) living on a quantum phase space, in connection with both abelian and nonabelian phases?Quantum mechanics is presented as classical Hamiltonian dynamics on a projective Hilbert space - Hannays classical adiabatic phase and angles are explained? Review of Berry and Robbins' revolutionary approach to spin-statistics - A chapter on examples and applications paves the way for ongoing studies of geometric phases - Problems at the end of each chapter - Extended bibliography and index Graduate students in mathematics with some prior knowledge of quantum mechanics will learn about a class of applications of differential geometry and geometric methods in quantum theory. Physicists and graduate students in physics will learn techniques of differential geometry in an applied context.

This monograph focuses on the modeling of continua that exhibit the property of singularities in fields. A rational theory of continuum thermomechanics that takes into account the existence and distribution of scalar and vector discontinuities is presented. Guiding the work is the notion that discontinuities should be modeled by the torsion and curvature tensors (Cartan), thus forming an attractive alternative way of representing dissipating continua with singularities. Also emphasized in this study is the relationship between singularities and certain irreversible properties that occur in solid and fluid models. The required mathematical background is given in several appendices, although some basic understanding of differential geometry and tensor analysis would be helpful. The book is largely self-contained and should serve a readership of graduate students, researchers, and engineers in applied mathematics, mechanics, and physics.

The chapters on Clifford algebra and differential geometry can be used as an introduction to the topics, and are suitable for senior undergraduates and graduates. The other chapters are also accessible at this level.; This self-contained book requires very little previous knowledge of the domains covered, although the reader will benefit from knowledge of complex analysis, which gives the basic example of a Dirac operator.; The more advanced reader will appreciate the fresh approach to the theory, as well as the new results on boundary value theory.; Concise, but self-contained text at the introductory grad level. Systematic exposition.; Clusters well with other Birkhauser titles in mathematical physics.; Appendix. General Manifolds * List of Symbols * Bibliography * Index

Such theories as quantum fields and strings have had a fruitful impact on certain developments in mathematics and have the sparked the interests of mathematicians towards a further understanding of some of the basic elements of these physical theories. This monograph navigates through the basic elements of quantum mechanics for a readership of mathematical researchers and graduate students whose background in physics might be rather modest. It should also be of interest to students and researchers in physics. Features include: topics such as Feynman path integrals, quantum statistical partition functions, high and low temperature asymptotics of quantum fields over a negatively curved space-time; a systematic application of the Nikiforov-Uvarov theory of generalised hypergeometric differential equations to solve the Schrodinger equation and to obtain the quantization of energies from a single elegant point of view; application of zeta functions, the Jacobi inversion formula, spherical harmonic analysis and the Selberg trade formula.

Homogenization is a method for modelling processes in complex structures. These processes are far too complex for analytic and numerical methods and are best described by PDEs with rapidly oscillating coefficients - a technique that has become increasingly important in the last three decades due to its multiple applications in the areas of optimization, radiophysics, filtration theory, rheology, elasticity theory, and other domains of mechanics, physics, and technology. The present monograph is a comprehensive study of homogenization problems describing various physical processes in micro-inhomogeneous media. From the technical viewpoint the work focuses on the construction of nonstandard models for media characterized by several small-scale parameters (multiscale models). A variety of techniques are used --- specifically functional analysis, the spectral theory for differential operators, the Laplace transform, and, most importantly, a new variational PDE method for studying the asymptotic behavior of solutions of stationary boundary value problems. This new method can be applied to a wide variety of problems.Key topics in this systematic exposition include asymptotic analysis, Dirichlet- and Neumann-type boundary value problems, differential equations with rapidly oscillating coefficients, homogenization, homogenized and non-local models.Along with complete proofs of all main results, numerous examples of typical structures of micro-inhomogeneous media with their corresponding homogenized models are provided. Applied mathematicians, advanced-level graduate students, physicists, engineers, and specialists in mechanics will benefit from this monograph, which may be used in the classroom or as a comprehensive reference text.

The spectral theory of Schrodinger operators, in particular those with random potentials, continues to be a very active field of research. This work focuses on various known criteria in the spectral theory of selfadjoint operators in order to identify the spectrum and its components a la Lebesgue decomposition.Key features and topics:* Well-developed exposition of criteria that are especially useful in determining the spectra of deterministic and random Schrodinger operators occurring in quantum theory * Systematically uses measures and their transforms (Fourier, Borel, wavelet) to present a unifying theme * Establishes criteria for identifying the spectrum * Examines a series of applications to show point spectrum and continuous spectrum in some models of random operators * Presents a series of spectral-theoretic results for the perturbed operators introduced in earlier chapters with examples of localization and delocalization in the theory of disordered systems * Presents modern criteria (using wavelet transform, eigenfunction decay) that could be used to do spectral theory * Unique work in book form combining the presentation of the deterministic and random cases, which will serve as a platform for further research activities This concise unified presentation is aimed at graduate students and researchers working in the spectral theory of Schrodinger operators with either fixed or random potentials in particular.However, given the large gap that this book fills in the literature, it will serve a wider audience of mathematical physicists because of its contribution to works in spectral theory.

Quantization in quantum mechanics deals with the problem of correct defining various classical structures, for example, quantum-mechanical observables such as Hamiltonian, momentum, self-adjoint operators in some Hilbert space and so on. Though there exists a naive treatment, based on experience in finite-dimensional algebra or even infinite-dimensional algebra with bounded operators, it results in paradoxes and inaccuracies. This exposition is devoted to a consistent treatment of such problems, based on appealing to some nontrivial items of functional analysis concerning the theory of linear operators in Hilbert spaces.It begins by considering quantization problems in general, emphasizing the non-triviality of consistent operator construction by presenting paradoxes to the naive treatment. It then builds the necessary mathematical background following it by the theory of self-adjoint extensions.By considering several problems such as the one-dimensional Calogero problem, the Aharonov-Bohm problem, the problem of delta-like potentials and relativistic Coulomb problem it then shows how quantization problems associated with correct definition of observables can be treated consistently for comparatively simple quantum-mechanical systems. In the end, related problems in quantum field theory are briefly introduced.This well organized text is most suitable for students and post graduates interested in deepening their understanding of mathematical problems in quantum mechanics. However, scientists in mathematical and theoretical physics and mathematicians will also find it useful.

Without using the customary Clifford algebras frequently studied in connection with the representations of orthogonal groups, this book gives an elementary introduction to the two-component spinor formalism for four-dimensional spaces with any signature. Some of the useful applications of four-dimensional spinors, such as Yang-Mills theory, are derived in detail using illustrative examples. Spinors in Four-Dimensional Spaces is aimed at graduate students and researchers in mathematical and theoretical physics interested in the applications of the two-component spinor formalism in any four-dimensional vector space or Riemannian manifold with a definite or indefinite metric tensor. This systematic and self-contained book is suitable as a seminar text, a reference book, and a self-study guide.

Across the centuries, the development and growth of mathematical concepts have been strongly stimulated by the needs of mechanics. Vector algebra was developed to describe the equilibrium of force systems and originated from Stevin's experiments (1548-1620). Vector analysis was then introduced to study velocity fields and force fields. Classical dynamics required the differential calculus developed by Newton (1687). Nevertheless, the concept of particle acceleration was the starting point for introducing a structured spacetime. Instantaneous velocity involved the set of particle positions in space. Vector algebra theory was not sufficient to compare the different velocities of a particle in the course of time. There was a need to (parallel) transport these velocities at a single point before any vector algebraic operation. The appropriate mathematical structure for this transport was the connection. I The Euclidean connection derived from the metric tensor of the referential body was the only connection used in mechanics for over two centuries. Then, major steps in the evolution of spacetime concepts were made by Einstein in 1905 (special relativity) and 1915 (general relativity) by using Riemannian connection. Slightly later, nonrelativistic spacetime which includes the main features of general relativity I It took about one and a half centuries for connection theory to be accepted as an independent theory in mathematics. Major steps for the connection concept are attributed to a series of findings: Riemann 1854, Christoffel 1869, Ricci 1888, Levi-Civita 1917, WeyJ 1918, Cartan 1923, Eshermann 1950.

The spinor calculus employed in general relativity is a very useful tool; many expressions and computations are considerably simplified if one makes use of spinors instead of tensors. Some advantages of the spinor formalism applied in the four-dimensional space-time of general relativity come from the fact that each spinor index takes two values only, which simplifies the algebraic manipulations. Spinors for spaces of any dimension can be defined in connection with rep­ resentations of orthogonal groups and in the case of spaces of dimension three, the spinor indices also take two values only, which allows us to apply some of the results found in the two-component spinor formalism of four-dimensional space-time. The spinor formalism for three-dimensional spaces has been partially developed, mainly for spaces with a definite metric, also in connection with gen­ eral relativity (e.g., in space-plus-time decompositions of space-time), defining the spinors of three-dimensional space from those corresponding to four-dimensional space-time, but the spinor formalism for three-dimensional spaces considered on their own is not widely known or employed. One of the aims of this book is to give an account of the spinor formalism for three-dimensional spaces, with definite or indefinite metric, and its applications in physics and differential geometry. Another is to give an elementary treatment of the spin-weighted functions and their various applications in mathematical physics.

* The main treatment is devoted to the analysis of systems of linear partial differential equations (PDEs) with constant coefficients, focusing attention on null solutions of Dirac systems * All the necessary classical material is initially presented * Geared toward graduate students and researchers in (hyper)complex analysis, Clifford analysis, systems of PDEs with constant coefficients, and mathematical physics