Publication
Title
Propagator and Slater sum in one-body potential theory
Author
Abstract
For a one-body potential V(r) generating eigenfunctions psi(i)(r) and corresponding eigenvalues epsilon(i), the Feynman propagator K(r, r, t) is simply related to the canonical density matrix C(r,r',beta) by beta --> it. The diagonal element S(r,r,beta) of C is the so-called Slater sum of statistical mechanics. Differential equations for the Slater sum are first briefly reviewed, a quite general equation being available for a one-dimensional potential V(x). This equation can be solved for a sech(2) potential, and some physical properties of interest such as the local density of states are derived by way of illustration. Then, the Coulomb potential -Ze(2)/r is next considered, and it is shown that what is essentially the inverse Laplace transform of S(r,beta)/beta can be calculated for an arbitrary number of closed shells. Blinder has earlier determined the Feynman propagator in terms of Whittaker functions and contact is here established with his work. The currently topical case of Fermion vapours which are harmonically confined is then treated, for both two and three dimensions. Finally, in an Appendix, a perturbation series for the Slater sum is briefly summarized, to all orders in the one-body potential V(r). The corresponding kinetic energy is thereby accessible.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Physica status solidi: B: basic research. - Berlin
Publication
Berlin : 2003
ISSN
0370-1972
DOI
10.1002/PSSB.200301779
Volume/pages
237 :1 (2003) , p. 265-273
ISI
000182801800025
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 24.02.2012
Last edited 08.12.2021
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