Partition function for a system of interacting Bose-Einstein particles

It is shown by a rigorous development from first principles that a relatively simple form for the partition function of an imperfect Bose-Einstein gas can be obtained. This form is that of a 3N-dimensional integral (N being the total number of particles) the integrand of which can be completely determined for any given interparticle interaction provided certain, in general small, many-body quantum mechanical effects are ignored. The final evaluation of the partition function in closed form requires that this integrand be approximated by functions sufficiently tractable that the 3N-dimensional integral can be performed.

Duke Scholars

Author Morton Friedman Biomedical Engineering