Statistical Mechanics & Mathematical Physics


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Rutgers has a number of mathematical physicists in the department who study statistical mechanics and related subjects such as dynamical systems. During the semester, a mathematical physics seminar meets every Thursday. In addition, the department hosts a semi-annual statistical mechanics meeting near the end of each semester.

My research interests include:
    One-Dimensional systems
  1. Generalizations of the Takahashi gas
  2. The theory of Laplace transforms applied to 1-d systems
  3. Generalizations of van Hove's theory of finite-neighbor interactions
    Exactly solvable (continuum) models
  1. Charged Systems - plasmas, electrolyte and ion-dipole systems
  2. Gravitating Systems
  3. Proofs of the non-existence of phase transitions
My other interests include
    Stability of matter arguments
  1. Improvements to the Lieb and Lebowitz arguments
  2. Applications to the derivation of a "van der Waals plasma"
    Probability
  1. Brownian motion and other stochastic processes
  2. Markov processes and semi-Markov processes
My current research projects include:
  1. Providing an exact derivation of a van der Waals equation of state for a plasma in higher dimensions
  2. Exploring the features of a one-dimensional two-component plasma with nearest-neighbor hard core exclusions with variable (non-additive) diameters
  3. Analyzing a modified jellium model.
Here are links to some of the mathematical physicists at Rutgers. Book Reviews:
I would recommend the following books to interested parties. Of course, I am limited by my own experience.
  • Introductory Statistical Mechanics
    1. Classical Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, C. Thompson
    2. Statistical Mechanics: A Short Treatise, G. Gallavotti
    3. Statistical Mechanics: Rigorous Results, D. Ruelle - Not for the mathematically squeamish.
    4. Science of Chaos or Chaos in Science?, J. Bricmont - This isn't a book, but it is a must read nonetheless! You can download a copy of it off the internet.
  • Specialized Statistical Mechanics - (One Dimension)
    1. Simple Models of Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Phenomena, ed. J. L. Lebowitz
    2. The Many-Body Problem: An Encyclopedia of Exactly Solved Models in One Dimension, ed. D. Mattis (formerly with E. Lieb)
  • Probability and Brownian Motion
    1. Probability:  Theory and Examples, R. Durrett
    2. Brownian Motion and Martingales in Analysis, R. Durrett
    3. A First and Second Course in Stochastic Processes, H. Taylor and S. Karlin
    4. Popular Accounts of Physics and Mathematics
      1. A Brief History of Time, S. Hawking
      2. The Emperor's New Mind, R. Penrose
      3. Chaos, J. Gleick
      4. Metamagical Themas, D. Hofstadter - not really related to physics!
Last (Partially) Updated: 8/22/2002