N-quantum approach to quantum field theory at finite T and mu: the NJL model

We extend the N-quantum approach to quantum field theory to finite temperat ure (T) and chemical potential (mu) and apply it to the NJL model. In this approach the Heisenberg fields are expressed using the Haag expansion while temperature and chemical potential are introduced simultaneously through a generalized thermal Bogoliubov transformation. Known mean field results ar e recovered using only the first term in the Haag expansion. In addition, w e find that at finite T and in the broken symmetry phase of the model the m ean field approximation can not diagonalize the Hamiltonian. Inclusion of s calar and axial vector diquark channels in the SU(2)(f) X SU(3)(c) version of the model can lead to a lowering of the vacuum energy density. We discus s how to go beyond the mean field approximation by including higher order t erms in the Haag expansion. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.