Integrability of quantum chains: theory and applications to the spin-1/2 XXZ chain

In this contribution we review the theory of integrability of quantum systems in one spatial dimension. We introduce the basic concepts such as the Yang-Baxter equation, commuting currents, and the algebraic Bethe ansatz. Quite extensively we present the treatment of integrable quantum systems at finite temperature on the basis of a lattice path integral formulation and a suitable transfer matrix approach (quantum transfer matrix). The general method is carried out for the seminal model of the spin-1/2 XXZ chain for which thermodynamic properties like specific heat, magnetic susceptibility and the finite temperature Drude weight of the thermal conductivity are derived.