Workshop: Open Systems & Quantum Dynamics

CPT - University of Toulon

June 26th - November  26th  2006

During the last years, significant efforts have been devoted to the study of dynamical properties of (classical and quantum) open systems. In particular, through the study of noisy or forced dissipative systems, or Hamiltonian systems with a large number of degrees of freedom, our understanding of the mathematical structure of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics has greatly improved. The aim of this workshop is to offer in depth courses on recent progress in the field. It is adressed to PHD students, postdocs and researchers in mathematical and theoretical physics. The following topics will be discussed:

• Axiomatic approaches: Under appropriate hypotheses on the ergodic properties of the underlying dynamical system (chaotic hypothesis, asymptotic abelianness, etc), it is possible to prove various predictions of nonequilibrium thermodynamics (linear response, Kubo formula, Onsager's relations, etc.)
  
• Specific models: Modern techniques (quantum field theory, algebraic quantum dynamical systems, spectral analysis, renormalization group, etc.) have been successfully applied to the study of various models (spin-boson, spin-fermion, Pauli-Fierz, Lorentz-gas, etc.). Elementary physical properties like return to equilibrium or existence and structural properties of nonequilibrium steady states, have been obtained in this way. More difficult questions, like the emergence of the Fourier law, are currently under investigation.
  
• Markovian Dynamics: It gives a natural mathematical framework to study the dynamics of various nonequilibrium processes: Hamiltonian systems coupled to reservoirs, exclusion processes on the lattice, noisy extended systems.
  

List of Speakers

Special Events

June 26-30: Transport and Fluctuations Week (Program).

November 9-10: Open Systems Days (Program,Participants).