During the last decade impressive development and signi?cant advance of the physics of nonideal plasmas in astrophysics and in laboratories can be observed, creating new possibilities for experimental research. The enormous progress in laser technology, but also ion beam techniques, has opened new ways for the production and diagnosis of plasmas under extreme conditions, relevant for astrophysics and inertially con?ned fusion, and for the study of laser-matter interaction. In shock wave experiments, the equation of state and further properties of highly compressed plasmas can be investigated. This experimental progress has stimulated the further development of the statistical theory of nonideal plasmas. Many new results for thermodynamic and transport properties, for ionization kinetics, dielectric behavior, for the stopping power, laser-matter interaction, and relaxation processes have been achieved in the last decade. In addition to the powerful methods of quantum statistics and the theory of liquids, numerical simulations like path integral Monte Carlo methods and molecular dynamic simulations have been applied.

The present volume represents the great majority of the papers presented on Sanibel Island at the first Symposium on Quantum Statistics and Many-Body Problems (January 26-29, 1975). In his Introductory Remarks, Professor Lawdin outlines the history of the original Symposia, and the genesis of the conference whose papers comprise this volume. We join him in his expression of thanks, and note, additionally, our gratitude to him and to Professors N. Y. Ohrn, J. R. Sabin, E. D. Adams, and John Daunt. The papers are grouped somewhat differently from their order of presentation. It seemed convenient to begin with the six papers which deal with sound propagation in one form or another, then have a two-paper diversion into solid Helium. The SHe superf1uid theme is picked up again with four papers on spin dynamics, orbit waves, etc., followed by a selection of five papers on a variety of experimental and theoretical aspects of the SHe superf1uid problem. Work in the areas of films, mono1ayers, and mixtures is presented next, followed by two papers on liquid ~He. We conclude with a selection of six papers on other quantum fluids and general statistical mechanics. We are most grateful to the contributors to this volume for their patience and cooperation; they have had as editors three utter novices! We have learned much, both scientifically and editorially. We hope that this volume will be of at least some help to others as well.

This concise and readable book addresses primarily readers with a background in classical statistical physics and introduces quantum mechanical notions as required. Conceived as a primer to bridge the gap between statistical physics and quantum information, it emphasizes concepts and thorough discussions of the fundamental notions and prepares the reader for deeper studies, not least through a selection of well chosen exercises.

The completely revised new edition of the classical book on Statistical Mechanics covers the basic concepts of equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics. In addition to a deductive approach to equilibrium statistics and thermodynamics based on a single hypothesis - the form of the microcanonical density matrix - this book treats the most important elements of non-equilibrium phenomena. Intermediate calculations are presented in complete detail. Problems at the end of each chapter help students to consolidate their understanding of the material.