Scope and topics


General aim
To discuss foundations of quantum physics and non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics of mesoscopic (nanoscale) systems, in terms of both theory and experiment.


Topics


Scope of the conference
FQMT'08 is a follow-up to the previous, successful Prague conference "Frontiers of Quantum and Mesoscopic Thermodynamics 2004" (FQMT'04). The aim of FQMT'08 is to create a bridge between the fields of modern condensed matter physics, quantum optics and statistical physics and the quickly developing field of foundations of quantum physics.

In general, the conference will address quantum physics and non-equilibrium quantum statistical physics. The systems considered will be mainly of nanoscale size. The main task of the conference is to contribute to the uncovering of possible phenomenological ("quantum thermodynamical") laws governing the behaviour of nanoscale systems, providing a better understanding and insight into the problems and interpretations of quantum physics based upon the methods of condensed matter physics and quantum optics.

The conference is intended to bring together a unique combination of scientists across a disciplinary spectrum ranging from foundations of quantum physics to emerging statistical physics approaches to the study of non-equilibrium quantum systems (i.e., those who are studying various mesoscopic systems, either of artificial or biological origin, both from the theoretical and experimental point of view). The interdisciplinary character of the conference will be supported by choice of key speakers who, apart from their specializations, are not only able to report specific results within their fields, but are also able to discuss the state of the art of their fields from the standpoint of broader perspective of overlap with other fields.


FQMT'08 will focus on six main aspect and problem areas:

  1. Time evolution of non-equilibrium quantum systems
  2. The role of size and dimension on systems.
  3. Many-body effects, disorder
  4. Quantum noise and quantum decoherence
  5. Molecular motors, nanoscale biological systems
  6. Foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory
These aspects and problems concern many physical situations studied by condensed matter physics (e.g., metals, semiconductors, superconductors, and their various combinations, in artificially created structures), plasma physics, nuclear physics, elementary particle physics, chemistry and biology.

It is assumed that this arrangement of the scientific program of the conference will significantly contribute to the formulation of challenging questions and problems, as well as their related answers that are nowadays essential to improve the understanding of the foundations of quantum physics and the physics of nanoscale systems, and further will motivate new collaboration and intensive discussions between experts from different fields (i.e. physics, chemistry and biology).

More details as for the scope and scientific program background you can find in the printables as the PDF file.