University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Effects of dissipative environments on some quantum systems

Ao, Ping

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/23874

Description

Title
Effects of dissipative environments on some quantum systems
Author(s)
Ao, Ping
Issue Date
1991
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Leggett, Anthony J.
Department of Study
Physics
Discipline
Physics
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
  • environmental influence
  • persistent current
  • metallic ring
  • escape rate
  • electron
  • helium surface
  • Landau-Zener crossing
  • quantum systems
Language
en
Abstract
The properties of a system coupled to an environment can be dramatically changed compared to those of the isolated case. In this thesis I present a theoretical study of environmental influence on the following physical phenomena: the persistent current of a metallic ring, the escape rate of an electron from a helium surface, and the transition probability of the Landau-Zener level crossing. Chapter one contains a general introduction to these physical systems and a brief review of the theoretical methods I shall use. The study of an equilibrium property, the persistent current of a metallic ring coupled to an environment, is in chapter two. Chapter three describes the effects of an environment on the escape of electrons from a helium surface. In chapter four a detailed study of the Landau-Zener level crossing problem with a dissipative environment is presented. Finally, in chapter five I propose some questions that need further theoretical consideration.
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/23874
Copyright and License Information
1991 Ping Ao

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