Within the literature on quantum physics the word “semi-classical” is used both very often and with different meanings. But three situations are most commonly encountered: Firstly, quantum systems that are approximated by classical models at high ►quantum numbers. Secondly, the mathematical description of composite systems which can be simplified by dividing the problem into a classical and a quantum sector. And finally, open quantum systems which reveal classical properties in their interaction with a complex environment.
The various definitions of semi-classicality apply to a vast range of physical systems, covering quantum optics [1], atomic physics [2], molecular physics [3], mesoscopic and solid state physics [4] or even ►quantum gravity [5]. A recent and comprehensive resource letter by Gutzwiller [6] provides nearly four hundred commented references to important papers on that subject. And a number of these papers have been collected and reprinted in [7].
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Arndt, M. (2009). Semi-classical Models. In: Greenberger, D., Hentschel, K., Weinert, F. (eds) Compendium of Quantum Physics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-70626-7_197
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