Analytic Continuation from the Imaginary to the Real-Time Axis
Abstract
This chapter reconsiders the original derivation of the Kadanoff and Baym equations, which relies on a procedure of analytic continuation from imaginary to real time in terms of an “extended” Matsubara approach. The procedure of analytic continuation proves useful for formal developments, like those to be considered in Chapters 28 and 29. The case when the system Hamiltonian does not depend on time is first treated, and the procedure is then extended under appropriate assumptions to the case when the Hamiltonian depends on time.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum many-body systems
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Theoretical and Computational Physics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 225–234
- Publication date
- 6 February 2026
- Document type
- Book chapter