Physics:Quantum Bose–Einstein statistics
Bose–Einstein statistics describe the occupation of quantum states by identical bosons. They apply to particles with integer spin, including photons, gluons, phonons, and many composite particles.[1]
Description
Unlike fermions, bosons are not restricted by the Pauli exclusion principle. Many identical bosons can occupy the same quantum state. For a system in thermal equilibrium, the average occupation of a state with energy is
where is the chemical potential, is the Boltzmann constant, and is temperature.
Physical meaning
Bose-Einstein statistics explain blackbody radiation, collective excitations such as phonons, and the possibility of macroscopic occupation of a single quantum state. At low temperature, some bosonic systems can form a Bose-Einstein condensate.[2]
Historical names
- Satyendra Nath Bose derived the counting rule for photons.
- Albert Einstein extended Bose's idea to material particles.
See also
Table of contents (84 articles)
Index
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References
- ↑ Annett, James F. (2004). Superconductivity, Superfluids and Condensates. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-850755-0.
- ↑ Ziff, R. M.; Kac, M.; Uhlenbeck, G. E. (1977). "The ideal Bose-Einstein gas, revisited". Physics Reports 32: 169-248.
