This book establishes the foundations of non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics in order to support students and academics in developing and building their understanding. The formal theory is derived from first principles by mathematical analysis, with concrete physical interpretations and worked examples throughout. It explains the central role of entropy; its relation to the probability operator and the generalisation to transitions, as well as providing first principles derivation of the von Neumann trace form, the Maxwell-Boltzmann form and the Schroedinger equation.

`Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Foundations and Applications' builds from basic principles to advanced techniques, and covers the major phenomena, methods, and results of time-dependent systems. It is a pedagogic introduction, a comprehensive reference manual, and an original research monograph. Uniquely, the book treats time-dependent systems by close analogy with their static counterparts, with most of the familiar results of equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics being generalized and applied to the non-equilibrium case. The book is notable for its unified treatment of thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, stochastic processes, and statistical mechanics, for its self-contained, coherent derivation of a variety of non-equilibrium theorems, and for its quantitative tests against experimental measurements and computer simulations. Systems that evolve in time are more common than static systems, and yet until recently they lacked any over-arching theory. 'Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics' is unique in its unified presentation of the theory of non-equilibrium systems, which has now reached the stage of quantitative experimental and computational verification. The novel perspective and deep understanding that this book brings offers the opportunity for new direction and growth in the study of time-dependent phenomena. 'Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics' is an invaluable reference manual for experts already working in the field. Research scientists from different disciplines will find the overview of time-dependent systems stimulating and thought-provoking. Lecturers in physics and chemistry will be excited by many fresh ideas and topics, insightful explanations, and new approaches. Graduate students will benefit from its lucid reasoning and its coherent approach, as well as from the chem12physof mathematical techniques, derivations, and computer algorithms.

Description This account of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics is based on entropy and its maximization. Building from first principles, it gives a transparent explanation of the physical behaviour of equilibrium thermodynamic systems, and it presents a comprehensive, self-contained account of the modern mathematical and computational techniques of statistical mechanics. Importance of Topic This field of study is of vital importance to researchers, lecturers and students alike. Why This Title Dr Attard is a well-known researcher in statistical mechanics who has made significant contributions to this field. His book offers a fresh perspective on the foundations of statistical thermodynamics. It includes a number of new results and novel derivations, and provides an intriguing alternative to existing monographs. Especially of note are the simple graphs and figures that illustrate the text throughout and the logical organization of the material. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics will be an invaluable and comprehensive reference manual for research scientists. This text can be used as a complement to existing texts and for supplementary reading.