Time dependent density functional theory in quantum liquids

Abstract

The formalism of density functional theory (DFT) can be easily extended to the time dependent case (TDDFT). However, while in the static case the theory is well established and is expected to be, at least in principle, an exact approach for the determination of energy and density profiles of inhomogeneous systems, the applicability of TDDFT to the investigation of dynamic phenomena (for example propagation of collective phenomena) is less obvious especially in the microscopic regime of large wave vectors. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some relevant questions concerning the structure, the ingredients and the applicability of TDDFT. Some emphasis will be also given to establish important connections between TDDFT and microscopic theories such as the Feynman theory for the elementary excitations of Bose superfluids.