Zeta regularization is a method to treat the divergent quantities appearing in several areas of mathematical physics and, in particular, in quantum field theory; it is based on the fascinating idea that a finite value can be ascribed to a formally divergent expression via analytic continuation with respect to a complex regulating parameter.This book provides a thorough overview of zeta regularization for the vacuum expectation values of the most relevant observables of a quantized, neutral scalar field in Minkowski spacetime; the field can be confined to a spatial domain, with suitable boundary conditions, and an external potential is possibly present. Zeta regularization is performed in this framework for both local and global observables, like the stress-energy tensor and the total energy; the analysis of their vacuum expectation values accounts for the Casimir physics of the system. The analytic continuation process required in this setting by zeta regularization is deeply linked to some integral kernels; these are determined by the fundamental elliptic operator appearing in the evolution equation for the quantum field. The book provides a systematic illustration of these connections, devised as a toolbox for explicit computations in specific configurations; many examples are presented. A comprehensive account is given of the existing literature on this subject, including the previous work of the authors.The book will be useful to anyone interested in a mathematically sound description of quantum vacuum effects, from graduate students to scientists working in this area.

This volume collects recent contributions on the contemporary trends in the mathematics of quantum mechanics, and more specifically in mathematical problems arising in quantum many-body dynamics, quantum graph theory, cold atoms, unitary gases, with particular emphasis on the developments of the specific mathematical tools needed, including: linear and non-linear Schrödinger equations, topological invariants, non-commutative geometry, resonances and operator extension theory, among others. Most of contributors are international leading experts or respected young researchers in mathematical physics, PDE, and operator theory. All their material is the fruit of recent studies that have already become a reference in the community. Offering a unified perspective of the mathematics of quantum mechanics, it is a valuable resource for researchers in the field.

This book is the result of several years of work by the authors on different aspects of zeta functions and related topics. The aim is twofold. On one hand, a considerable number of useful formulas, essential for dealing with the different aspects of zeta-function regularization (analytic continuation, asymptotic expansions), many of which appear here, in book format, for the first time are presented. On the other hand, the authors show explicitly how to make use of such formulas and techniques in practical applications to physical problems of very different nature. Virtually all types of zeta functions are dealt with in the book.

Next to the harmonic oscillator and the Coulomb potential the class of two-body models with point interactions is the only one where complete solutions are available. All mathematical and physical quantities can be calculated explicitly which makes this field of research important also for more complicated and realistic models in quantum mechanics. The detailed results allow their implementation in numerical codes to analyse properties of alloys, impurities, crystals and other features in solid state quantum physics. This monograph presents in a systematic way the mathematical approach and unifies results obtained in recent years. The student with a sound background in mathematics will get a deeper understanding of Schrödinger Operators and will see many examples which may eventually be used with profit in courses on quantum mechanics and solid state physics. The book has textbook potential in mathematical physics and is suitable for additional reading in various fields of theoretical quantum physics.

An overview of semi-classical gravity theory and stochastic gravity as theories of quantum gravity in curved space-time.

The present volume gathers contributions to the conference Microlocal and Time-Frequency Analysis 2018 (MLTFA18), which was held at Torino University from the 2nd to the 6th of July 2018. The event was organized in honor of Professor Luigi Rodino on the occasion of his 70th birthday. The conference’s focus and the contents of the papers reflect Luigi’s various research interests in the course of his long and extremely prolific career at Torino University.