Time Correlation Functions for a Molecular Gas: Magnetic Field Effects

Abstract

Time correlation functions appropriate for the study of thermal conduction and viscous dissipation are considered for a molecular gas in the presence of a static magnetic field (Senftleben–Beenakker effect). The classical Boltzmann equation is used in the formulation although the generalization to the quantum mechanical case is straightforward. The results are illustrated by an explicit calculation for diamagnetic molecules within the framework of a simple model used by Kagan and Maksimov. The time correlation functions which correspond to the nondiagonal components of the thermal conductivity and viscosity tensors show the most interesting structure. The results are discussed and further extensions of the present calculations are outlined.