Mathematical Theory of Feynman Path Integrals: An Introduction - Paperback

by Sergio Albeverio (Author), Rafael Høegh-Krohn (Author), Sonia Mazzucchi (Author)

The Fresnel Integral of Functions on a Separable Real Hilbert Space.- The Feynman Path Integral in Potential Scattering.- The Fresnel Integral Relative to a Non-singular Quadratic Form.- Feynman Path Integrals for the Anharmonic Oscillator.- Expectations with Respect to the Ground State of the Harmonic Oscillator.- Expectations with Respect to the Gibbs State of the Harmonic Oscillator.- The Invariant Quasi-free States.- The Feynman History Integral for the Relativistic Quantum Boson Field.- Some Recent Developments.

Back Jacket

Feynman path integrals, suggested heuristically by Feynman in the 40s, have become the basis of much of contemporary physics, from non-relativistic quantum mechanics to quantum fields, including gauge fields, gravitation, cosmology. Recently ideas based on Feynman path integrals have also played an important role in areas of mathematics like low-dimensional topology and differential geometry, algebraic geometry, infinite-dimensional analysis and geometry, and number theory.

The 2nd edition of LNM 523 is based on the two first authors' mathematical approach of this theory presented in its 1st edition in 1976. To take care of the many developments since then, an entire new chapter on the current forefront of research has been added. Except for this new chapter and the correction of a few misprints, the basic material and presentation of the first edition has been maintained. At the end of each chapter the reader will also find notes with further bibliographical information.