Stochastic interpretation of Kadanoff-Baym equations and their relation to in processes (Q1279893)

The authors derive Kadanoff-Baym equations for the model of a free scalar quantum field coupled to a heat bath. Their derivation elucidates the roles played by quantum noise and the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Low-energy modes behave as classical fields, while the semi-classical particle regime has a phenomenological Boltzmann-Langevin description. Along the way the authors find a physical regularization of so called pinch singularities.