Nonequilibrium Physics at Short Time Scales Formation of Correlations [Hardcover]

This introductory level text addresses the broad range of nonequilibrium phenomena observed at short time scales. It focuses on the important questions of correlations and memory effects in dense interacting systems. Experiments on very short time scales are characterized, in particular, by strong correlations far from equilibrium, by nonlinear dynamics, and by the related phenomena of turbulence and chaos. The impressive successes of experiments using pulsed lasers to study the properties of matter and of the new methods of analysis of the early phases of heavy ion reactions have necessitated a review of the available many-body theoretical methods. The aim of this book is thus to provide an introduction to the experimental and theoretical methods that help us to understand the behaviour of such systems when disturbed on very short time scales.

This book is the result of the many discussions and collaborations that de? veloped from the seven previous workshops held on this topic. This ongoing series of interdisciplinary workshops provided an opportunity for the presen? tation and exchange of results describing nonequilibrium phenomena at short time scales. The important questions concern the correlation and memory ef? fects in dense interacting systems currently under study in various areas of physics. Experiments on very short time scales are especially characterized by the strong correlations in systems far from equilibrium and by their non? linear dynamics. In this regard, conventionally applied theoretical techniques are critically reviewed, and new theoretical concepts are discussed. Possible signals of nonequilibrium effects are extracted from experiments using power? ful techniques and skills. The exchange of views and techniques from different areas of physics helped to stimulate such developments. The impressive success of experiments using short laser pulses to probe the properties of matter, as well as of the new methods of analysis of tl4