Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Unitary transformations in an angular momentum Hilbert space H(2j + 1), are considered. They are expressed as a finite sum of the displacement operators (which play the role of SU(2j + 1) generators) with the Weyl function as coefficients. The Chinese remainder theorem is used to factorize large qudits in the Hilbert space H(2j + 1) in terms of smaller qudits in Hilbert spaces H(2ji + 1). All unitary transformations on large qudits can be performed through appropriate unitary transformations on the smaller qudits.

Thesis (MSc (Physics))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The goal of this thesis is the development and implementation of a non-perturbative solution method for Wegner’s flow equations. We show that a parameterization of the flowing Hamiltonian in terms of a scalar function allows the flow equation to be rewritten as a nonlinear partial differential equation. The implementation is non-perturbative in that the derivation of the PDE is based on an expansion controlled by the size of the system rather than the coupling constant. We apply this method to the Lipkin model and obtain very accurate results for the spectrum, expectation values and eigenstates for all values of the coupling and in the thermodynamic limit. New aspects of the phase structure, made apparent by this non-perturbative treatment, are also investigated. The Dicke model is treated using a two-step diagonalization procedure which illustrates how an effective Hamiltonian may be constructed and subsequently solved within this framework.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents an overview of the flow equations recently introduced by Wegner. The little known mathematical framework is established in the initial chapter and used as a background for the entire presentation. The application of flow equations to the Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation and to the elimination of the electron-phonon coupling in a solid is reviewed. Recent flow equations approaches to the Lipkin model are examined thoroughly, paying special attention to their utility near the phase change boundary. We present more robust schemes by requiring that expectation values be flow dependent; either through a variational or self-consistent calculation. The similarity renormalization group equations recently developed by Glazek and Wilson are also reviewed. Their relationship to Wegner's flow equations is investigated through the aid of an instructive model. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis bied 'n oorsig van die vloeivergelykings soos dit onlangs deur Wegner voorgestel is. Die betreklik onbekende wiskundige raamwerk word in die eerste hoofstuk geskets en deurgans as agtergrond gebruik. 'n Oorsig word gegee van die aanwending van die vloeivergelyking vir die Foldy-Wouthuysen transformasie en die eliminering van die elektron-fonon wisselwerking in 'n vastestof. Onlangse benaderings tot die Lipkin model, deur middel van vloeivergelykings, word ook deeglik ondersoek. Besondere aandag word gegee aan hul aanwending naby fasegrense. 'n Meer stewige skema word voorgestel deur te vereis dat verwagtingswaardes vloei-afhanklik is; óf deur gevarieerde óf self-konsistente berekenings. 'n Inleiding tot die gelyksoortigheids renormerings groep vergelykings, soos onlangs ontwikkel deur Glazek en Wilson, word ook aangebied. Hulle verwantskap met die Wegner vloeivergelykings word bespreek aan die hand van 'n instruktiewe voorbeeld.

published_or_final_version / Civil and Structural Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 181-194).