Advances in Analysis, Probability and Mathematical Physics: Contributions of Nonstandard Analysis

by Sergio Albeverio (Editor), Wilhelmus A.J. Luxemburg (Editor), Manfred P.H. Wolff (Editor)

In 1961 Robinson introduced an entirely new version of the theory of infinitesimals, which he called `Nonstandard analysis'. `Nonstandard' here refers to the nature of new fields of numbers as defined by nonstandard models of the first-order theory of the reals. This system of numbers was closely related to the ring of Schmieden and Laugwitz, developed independently a few years earlier.
During the last thirty years the use of nonstandard models in mathematics has taken its rightful place among the various methods employed by mathematicians. The contributions in this volume have been selected to present a panoramic view of the various directions in which nonstandard analysis is advancing, thus serving as a source of inspiration for future research.
Papers have been grouped in sections dealing with analysis, topology and topological groups; probability theory; and mathematical physics.
This volume can be used as a complementary text to courses in nonstandard analysis, and will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in both pure and applied mathematics and physics.

262 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1994

About the author

Sergio Albeverio (born 17 January 1939) is a Swiss mathematician and mathematical physicist working in numerous fields of mathematics and its applications. In particular he is known for his work in probability theory, analysis (including infinite dimensional, non-standard, and stochastic analysis), mathematical physics, and in the areas algebra, geometry, number theory, as well as in applications, from natural to social-economic sciences.

He initiated (with Raphael Høegh-Krohn) a systematic mathematical theory of Feynman path integrals and of infinite dimensional Dirichlet forms and associated stochastic processes (with applications particularly in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and quantum field theory). He also gave essential contributions to the development of areas such as p-adic functional and stochastic analysis as well as to the singular perturbation theory for differential operators. Other important contributions concern constructive quantum field theory and representation theory of infinite dimensional groups. He also initiated a new approach to the study of galaxy and planets formation inspired by stochastic mechanics.