Supersymmetric Methods in Quantum and Statistical Physics

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XIII

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2. Introduction

   • Felix Klein

   Pages 1-5

3. Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 7-19

4. The Witten Model

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 21-35

5. Supersymmetric Classical Mechanics

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 37-52

6. Exact Solution of Eigenvalue Problems

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 53-66

7. Quasi-Classical Path-Integral Approach

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 67-91

8. Supersymmetry in Classical Stochastic Dynamics

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 93-107

9. Supersymmetry in the Pauli and Dirac Equation

   • Georg Junker

   Pages 109-120

10. Concluding Remarks and Overview

    • Georg Junker

    Pages 121-124

11. Back Matter

    Pages 125-172

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The idea of supersymmetry was originally introduced in relativistic quantum field theories as a generalization of Poincare symmetry. In 1976 Nicolai sug­ gested an analogous generalization for non-relativistic quantum mechanics. With the one-dimensional model introduced by Witten in 1981, supersym­ metry became a major tool in quantum mechanics and mathematical, sta­ tistical, and condensed-IIll;l. tter physics. Supersymmetry is also a successful concept in nuclear and atomic physics. An underlying supersymmetry of a given quantum-mechanical system can be utilized to analyze the properties of the system in an elegant and effective way. It is even possible to obtain exact results thanks to supersymmetry. The purpose of this book is to give an introduction to supersymmet­ ric quantum mechanics and review some of the recent developments of vari­ ous supersymmetric methods in quantum and statistical physics. Thereby we will touch upon some topics related to mathematical and condensed-matter physics. A discussion of supersymmetry in atomic and nuclear physics is omit­ ted. However, the reader will find some references in Chap. 9. Similarly, super­ symmetric field theories and supergravity are not considered in this book. In fact, there exist already many excellent textbooks and monographs on these topics. A list may be found in Chap. 9. Yet, it is hoped that this book may be useful in preparing a footing for a study of supersymmetric theories in atomic, nuclear, and particle physics. The plan of the book is as follows.

• Dirac equation
• Potential
• dynamical systems
• eigenvalue
• mechanics
• quantization
• quantum mechanics
• statistical physics
• supersymmetry

• Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

  Georg Junker

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