Existence and regularity properties of the integrated density of states of random Schrödinger operators (Q2372416)

The aim of this small book is to give an overview of old and new results and methods in the spectral theory of random Schrödinger operators. It deals with their spectral distribution function the properties of which are of paramount importance in the quantum mechanical study of disordered media. This distribution function is called integrated density of states (IDS). Though there are various possible geometric settings and models, the author concentrates on operators on a continuous configuration space with a discrete group structure. His main example is given by the alloy type model \(H_{\omega} :=H_0+V_{\omega}\), \(\omega \in \Omega\), where \(\Omega\) is a probability space, \(H_0\) a periodic operator and \(V_{\omega}(x):=\sum_{k\in{\mathbb Z}^d}q_k(\omega)u(x-k)\) with \(u\in L^p({\mathbb R}^d)\) and \((q_k)\) a sequence of bounded i.i.d. random variables. Chapter 1 presents the physical background and the basic notions in operator theory that will be used later on. It introduces the alloy type model and other more general ergodic models. Transport properties and spectral types of Hamiltonians are investigated. Fluctuation boundaries of the spectrum are also studied. Chapter 2 defines the IDS by an exhaustion procedure from the finite volume integrated density of states. Under specific conditions the limit exists and is non random. Two alternative proofs are given. One of them is also applicable to random Schrödinger and Laplace-Beltrami operators on manifolds. Chapter 3 is concerned with upper bounds on the density of states in the manner of Wegner estimates. Continuity of the IDS is discussed and also the question of Anderson localization that deals with the existence of a pure point spectrum in an energy region. Chapter 4 provides a rigorous proof of the Wegner estimate following the original idea. Some improvements and extensions are presented. Chapter 5 is devoted to another proof of the Wegner estimates for the alloy type model. The last chapter is an appendix about the properties of the spectral shift function for self adjoint operators. The book ends with a bibliography of 501 items. It will be very useful for researchers interested in the quantum mechanics of disordered solids. It is accessible to graduate students with some knowledge on operator theory.