Flux-Across-Surfaces Theorem for a Dirac Particle

We consider the asymptotic evolution of a relativistic spin-1/2-particle. i.e. a particle whose wavefunction satisfies the Dirac equation with external static potential. We prove that the probability for the particle crossing a (detector) surface converges to the probability, that the direction of the momentum of the particle lies within the solid angle defined by the (detector) surface, as the distance of the surface goes to infinity. This generalizes earlier non relativistic results, known as flux across surfaces theorems, to the relativistic regime

Time delay for one-dimensional quantum systems with steplike potentials

This paper concerns time-dependent scattering theory and in particular the concept of time delay for a class of one-dimensional anisotropic quantum systems. These systems are described by a Schr\"{o}dinger Hamiltonian $H = -\Delta + V$ with a potential $V(x)$ converging to different limits $V_{\ell}$ and $V_{r}$ as $x \to -\infty$ and $x \to +\infty$ respectively. Due to the anisotropy they exhibit a two-channel structure. We first establish the existence and properties of the channel wave and scattering operators by using the modern Mourre approach. We then use scattering theory to show the identity of two apparently different representations of time delay. The first one is defined in terms of sojourn times while the second one is given by the Eisenbud-Wigner operator. The identity of these representations is well known for systems where $V(x)$ vanishes as $|x| \to \infty$ ($V_\ell = V_r$). We show that it remains true in the anisotropic case $V_\ell \not = V_r$, i.e. we prove the existence of the time-dependent representation of time delay and its equality with the time-independent Eisenbud-Wigner representation. Finally we use this identity to give a time-dependent interpretation of the Eisenbud-Wigner expression which is commonly used for time delay in the literature.Comment: 48 pages, 1 figur

Independent electrons model for open quantum systems: Landauer-Buettiker formula and strict positivity of the entropy production

A general argument leading from the formula for currents through an open noninteracting mesoscopic system given by the theory of non-equilibrium steady states (NESS) to the Landauer-Buettiker formula is pointed out. Time reversal symmetry is not assumed. As a consequence it follows that, as far as the system has a nontrivial scattering theory and the reservoirs have different temperatures and/or chemical potentials, the entropy production is strictly positive.Comment: 12 pages. Submitted for publication in J. Math. Phys. on 2006-06-05. Revision and extension of: G. Nenciu, A general proof of Landauer-Buettiker formula, [math-ph/0603030

On the exit statistics theorem of many particle quantum scattering

We review the foundations of the scattering formalism for one particle potential scattering and discuss the generalization to the simplest case of many non interacting particles. We point out that the "straight path motion" of the particles, which is achieved in the scattering regime, is at the heart of the crossing statistics of surfaces, which should be thought of as detector surfaces. We sketch a proof of the relevant version of the many particle flux across surfaces theorem and discuss what needs to be proven for the foundations of scattering theory in this context.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures; to appear in the proceedings of the conference "Multiscale methods in Quantum Mechanics", Accademia dei Lincei, Rome, December 16-20, 200

Scattering into Cones and Flux across Surfaces in Quantum Mechanics: a Pathwise Probabilistic Approach

We show how the scattering-into-cones and flux-across-surfaces theorems in Quantum Mechanics have very intuitive pathwise probabilistic versions based on some results by Carlen about large time behaviour of paths of Nelson diffusions. The quantum mechanical results can be then recovered by taking expectations in our pathwise statements.Comment: To appear in Journal of Mathematical Physic

A microscopic derivation of the quantum mechanical formal scattering cross section

We prove that the empirical distribution of crossings of a "detector'' surface by scattered particles converges in appropriate limits to the scattering cross section computed by stationary scattering theory. Our result, which is based on Bohmian mechanics and the flux-across-surfaces theorem, is the first derivation of the cross section starting from first microscopic principles.Comment: 28 pages, v2: Typos corrected, layout improved, v3: Typos corrected. Accepted for publication in Comm. Math. Phy

Limiting absorption principle for the dissipative Helmholtz equation

Adapting Mourre's commutator method to the dissipative setting, we prove a limiting absorption principle for a class of abstract dissipative operators. A consequence is the resolvent estimates for the high frequency Helmholtz equation when trapped trajectories meet the set where the imaginary part of the potential is non-zero. We also give the resolvent estimates in Besov spaces

Secondary literacy across the curriculum: Challenges and possibilities

This paper discusses the challenges and possibilities attendant upon successfully implementing literacy across the curriculum initiatives – or ‘school language policies’ as they have come to be known - particularly at the secondary or high school level. It provides a theoretical background to these issues, exploring previous academic discussions of school language policies, and highlights key areas of concern as well as opportunity with respect to school implementation of such policies. As such, it provides a necessary conceptual background to the subsequent papers in this special issue, which focus upon the Secondary Schools’ Literacy Initiative (SSLI) – a New Zealand funded programme that aims to establish cross-curricular language and literacy policies in secondary schools