# Canonical Bose-Einstein statistics

1. Feb 9, 2007

### quetzalcoatl9

I've been curious as to why Bose-Einstein statistics are always derived using the grand canonical partition function. Yes, I know it is easier, but there must also be an expression for the canonical ensemble. However, I was suprised that I have been unable to find it in the standard sources - so here is my own (troubled) derivation.

$$\sum^{0,1,..,M}_{\{n_k\}} \prod^{\infinty}_{k=1} e^{-\beta\left(\epsilon_k - \mu\right) n_k$$

where M is 1 for FD and M is infinity for BE stats.

I now impose the constraint of $$N=\sum_k n_k$$ and wind up with:

$$\lambda^{N} \prod_{k=1}^{\infinty} \left(1 - e^{-\beta \epsilon_k} \right)^{\pm} = Z_{BE}^{FD}$$

why didn't the chemical potential go away? I was expecting to get the same expression, but without any lambda term out in front.

Any ideas? Anyone at least KNOW what the canonical expression IS (so that I can compare my answer)?

Last edited: Feb 9, 2007
2. Feb 11, 2007

### quetzalcoatl9

everyone and his brother seem to be researching BE condensates these days, and yet no one is the least bit curious about this???

3. Feb 11, 2007

### mjsd

$$(1-e^x)^{\pm}$$?