Ola Bratteli

Derek William Robinson

For almost two decades, this has been the classical textbook on applications of operator algebra theory to quantum statistical physics. Major changes in the new edition relate to Bose-Einstein condensation, the dynamics of the X-Y model and questions on phase transitions.

Equilibrium States. Models in Quantum Statistical Mechanics

Operator Algebras and Quantum Statistical Mechanics

Derek W. Robinson

Operator Algebras and Quantum Statistical Mechanics: C*- and W*-algebras, symmetry groups, decomposition of states

In this book we describe the elementary theory of operator algebras and parts of the advanced theory which are of relevance, or potentially of relevance, to mathematical physics. Subsequently we describe various applications to quantum statistical mechanics. At the outset of this project we intended to cover this material in one volume but in the course of develop ment it was realized that this would entail the omission of various interesting topics or details. Consequently the book was split into two volumes, the first devoted to the general theory of operator algebras and the second to the applications. This splitting into theory and applications is conventional but somewhat arbitrary. In the last 15-20 years mathematical physicists have realized the importance of operator algebras and their states and automorphisms for problems offield theory and statistical mechanics. But the theory of 20 years ago was largely developed for the analysis of group representations and it was inadequate for many physical applications. Thus after a short honey moon period in which the new found tools of the extant theory were applied to the most amenable problems a longer and more interesting period ensued in which mathematical physicists were forced to redevelop the theory in relevant directions. New concepts were introduced, e. g. asymptotic abelian ness and KMS states, new techniques applied, e. g. the Choquet theory of barycentric decomposition for states, and new structural results obtained, e. g. the existence of a continuum of nonisomorphic type-three factors.

Volume 1: C*- and W*- Algebras. Symmetry Groups. Decomposition of States

This is the first of two volumes presenting the theory of operator algebras with applications to quantum statistical mechanics. The authors' approach to the operator theory is to a large extent governed by the dictates of the physical applications. The book is self-contained and most proofs are presented in detail, which makes it a useful text for students with a knowledge of basic functional analysis. The introductory chapter surveys the history and justification of algebraic techniques in statistical physics and outlines the applications that have been made. The second edition contains new and improved results. The principal changes include: A more comprehensive discussion of dissipative operators and analytic elements; the positive resolution of the question of whether maximal orthogonal probability measure on the state space of C-algebra were automatically maximal along all the probability measures on the space.

C*- and W*-Algebras. Symmetry Groups. Decomposition of States

Operator Algebras and Quantum Statistical Mechanics 1

Sergey Neshveyev

Christian Skau

The theme of the first Abel Symposium was operator algebras in a wide sense. In the last 40 years operator algebras have developed from a rather special discipline within functional analysis to become a central field in mathematics often described as "non-commutative geometry". It has branched out in several sub-disciplines and made contact with other subjects. The contributions to this volume give a state-of-the-art account of some of these sub-disciplines and the variety of topics reflect to some extent how the subject has developed. This is the first volume in a prestigious new book series linked to the Abel prize.

Ola Bratteli

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