Quantum Boltzmann equation for atomic hydrogen

2014 The quantum Boltzmann equation governing the evolution of the one-body internal density matrix of an atomic hydrogen (or alkali) gas is established. Indistinguishability of both nuclei and electrons explains the presence in the collision term of a large number (eleven) of « exchange cross sections ». The different collision terms fall into two categories : these which contribute to the damping of perturbations (similar to the usual collision term in the classical regime) and those which are Hamiltonian like and originate from the « identical spin rotation effect ». Due to those numerous exchange terms, all transport properties in atomic hydrogen are very sensitive to the internal state of the gas. J. Physique 46 (1985) 1101-1112 JUILLET 1985,