- #1
maverick_starstrider
- 1,119
- 6
Hi all,
I know how if a statistical partition function is written as a path integral in imaginary time (Wick's rotation) the fluctuations around the mean-field represent thermal fluctuations. If the path integral is instead done in real time then fluctuations from the mean-field/classical minima represent quantum fluctuations.
My question is: is it possible to describe in one equation for the partition function BOTH thermal and quantum fluctuations? I assume in terms of a path integral.
Thanks in advance.
I know how if a statistical partition function is written as a path integral in imaginary time (Wick's rotation) the fluctuations around the mean-field represent thermal fluctuations. If the path integral is instead done in real time then fluctuations from the mean-field/classical minima represent quantum fluctuations.
My question is: is it possible to describe in one equation for the partition function BOTH thermal and quantum fluctuations? I assume in terms of a path integral.
Thanks in advance.