Quantum Dynamical Systems

Abstract
This book presents a number of basic concepts and mathematical techniques for analyzing quantum and classical dynamical systems on an equal basis, mainly but not solely aimed at quantifying randomizing dynamical behaviour. One of the central topics is the introduction of a quantum dynamical entropy based on successive observations of the system. This leads to a symbolic model in terms of a state on a quantum spin chain and its associated entropy that quantifies the complexity of the time evolution. Several model systems are analyzed, but more realistic dynamics and scaling limits are considered as well. Gradually the key concepts and mathematical results are presented and special attention is paid to their relevance for quantum dynamics. The book starts out with a reminder of standard Hilbert space quantum mechanics and then gently introduces the need for the more general and abstract C*-dynamical system setup. Basic examples like quantum spin chains, CAR- and CCR-formalism, and the irrational rotation algebra are described. Next the essential notions from ergodic theory and quantum irreversibility are provided along with the properties and use of von Neumann entropy as quantifiers for randomness. The last part of the book introduces a quantum dynamical entropy based on operational partitions: for classical dynamics the well-established KS-invariant is recovered, while for quantum dynamics a variety of systems are analyzed. The book ends with some open problems and speculations on the footprints of microscopic quantum dynamics on transport phenomena at the macroscopic scale.