Semiclassical approximation to the partition function of a particle in D dimensions
We use a path integral formalism to derive a semiclassical series for the partition function of a particle in D dimensions. In particular we analyze the case of attractive central potentials, obtaining explicit expressions for the fluctuation determinant and for the semiclassical two-point function in the special cases of the harmonic and single-well quartic anharmonic oscillators. The specific heat of the latter is compared to precise WKB estimates. We conclude by discussing the possible extension of our results to field theories.
de Carvalho CA
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1547, USA.
Cavalcanti
RM
Fraga
ES
Joras
SE