How to get mean occupation numbers by Grand partition function?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mean occupation numbers and for an ideal gas using the grand partition function Z_G. The key formulas derived include =-1/\beta (\frac{\partial q}{\partial\epsilon}) and =1/Z_G [-(1/\beta \frac{\partial }{\partial\epsilon})^2 Z_G]. The second derivative of the grand potential with respect to the parameter α is identified as the standard deviation σ_N^2 of the particle number, clarifying the distinction between expectation values and their variances. The conversation also highlights the challenges in understanding statistical mechanics concepts, particularly in the context of quantum versus classical treatments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of grand partition functions in statistical mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mean occupation numbers and their calculations
  • Knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanics and operators
  • Basic grasp of statistical mechanics literature, particularly "Statistical Mechanics" by Pathria
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the grand partition function Z_G in statistical mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between chemical potential μ and the parameter α in grand canonical ensembles
  • Learn about the statistical properties of particle distributions in quantum gases
  • Investigate alternative statistical mechanics textbooks that clarify quantum versus classical distinctions
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics, will benefit from this discussion. It is especially relevant for those seeking to deepen their understanding of grand canonical ensembles and occupation number statistics.

hokhani
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How to calculate [itex]<n_i ^2>[/itex] for an ideal gas by the grand partition function ([itex]<n_i>[/itex] is the occupation number)? In other words, I like to know how do we get to the formula [itex]<n_i>=-1/\beta (\frac{\partial q}{\partial\epsilon})[/itex] and [itex]<n_i ^2>=1/Z_G [-(1/\beta \frac{\partial }{\partial\epsilon})^2 Z_G][/itex]?

[itex]Z_G[/itex] is grand partition function , q=[itex]ln Z_G[/itex] and [itex]\epsilon[/itex] is the energy of the corresponding level.
 
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Define
[tex]Z(\beta,\alpha)=\mathrm{Tr} \exp(-\beta \hat{H}+\alpha \hat{N}O.[/tex]
Here, I assume we have a non-relativistic system with conserved particle number [itex]\hat{N}[/itex].
Then you get
[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial \alpha} Z=Z \langle N \rangle, \quad \frac{\partial^2}{\partial \alpha^2} Z=Z \langle N^2 \rangle.[/tex]
Now you have
[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial \alpha} \ln Z=\frac{1}{Z} \frac{\partial Z}{\partial \alpha}=\langle N \rangle[/tex]
and then
[tex]\frac{\partial^2}{\partial \alpha^2} \ln Z=\frac{1}{Z^2} \left (\frac{\partial Z}{\partial\alpha} \right )^2+\frac{1}{Z} \frac{\partial^2 Z}{\partial \alpha^2}=\langle N^2 \rangle -\langle N \rangle^2=\sigma_N^2.[/tex]
So the 2nd derivative of the GK potential wrt. to [itex]\alpha[/itex] is the standard deviation [itex]\sigma_N^2[/itex] of the particle number, not the expectation value of the particle number squared!

More conventional is to write [itex]\alpha = \beta \mu[/itex], where [itex]\mu[/itex] is the chemical potential, but then it's a bit inconvenient for evaluating expectation values of the particle number and its powers (or equivalently cumulants of the particle number).
 
vanhees71 said:
Define
[tex]Z(\beta,\alpha)=\mathrm{Tr} \exp(-\beta \hat{H}+\alpha \hat{N}O.[/tex]
Here, I assume we have a non-relativistic system with conserved particle number [itex]\hat{N}[/itex].
Then you get
[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial \alpha} Z=Z \langle N \rangle, \quad \frac{\partial^2}{\partial \alpha^2} Z=Z \langle N^2 \rangle.[/tex]
Now you have
[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial \alpha} \ln Z=\frac{1}{Z} \frac{\partial Z}{\partial \alpha}=\langle N \rangle[/tex]
and then
[tex]\frac{\partial^2}{\partial \alpha^2} \ln Z=\frac{1}{Z^2} \left (\frac{\partial Z}{\partial\alpha} \right )^2+\frac{1}{Z} \frac{\partial^2 Z}{\partial \alpha^2}=\langle N^2 \rangle -\langle N \rangle^2=\sigma_N^2.[/tex]
So the 2nd derivative of the GK potential wrt. to [itex]\alpha[/itex] is the standard deviation [itex]\sigma_N^2[/itex] of the particle number, not the expectation value of the particle number squared!

More conventional is to write [itex]\alpha = \beta \mu[/itex], where [itex]\mu[/itex] is the chemical potential, but then it's a bit inconvenient for evaluating expectation values of the particle number and its powers (or equivalently cumulants of the particle number).

Thank you very much for your good response but what I meant by [itex]n_i[/itex] is the number of particles in the ith single particle state with energy [itex]\epsilon_i[/itex] and not the total number of particles, N.
I study the book "statistical mechanics by Pathria". Reading this book is somewhat difficult. Also I think this book (although is a very good book) hasn't well set apart the borders between quantum and classical treatment. Could you please tell me, if there is any, another good reference in that level instead?
 

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