Quantum Integrable Systems: Construction, Solution, Algebraic Aspect

Abstract

Various aspects of the theory of quantum integrable systems are reviewed. Basic ideas behind the construction of integrable ultralocal and nonultralocal quantum models are explored by exploiting the underlying algebraic structures related to the Yang-Baxter equations. Physical meaning of abstract mathematical notions like universal R-matrix, quantized algebras, Sklyanin algebra, braided algebra, Hopf algebra etc. and the role played by them in integrable systems are highlighted. Systematic construction of quantum integrable lattice as well as field models and their exact excitation spectra are presented through examples. The coordinate and algebraic formulations of the Bethe ansatz are illustrated with comparison, along with the description of nested and functional Bethe ansatzes. The techniques for deriving quantum Hamiltonians from the Lax operators are demonstrated on concrete models. The exposition of this review is kept in a fairly elementary level with emphasis on the physical contents.