Quantum Thermodynamics: Emergence of Thermodynamic Behavior Within Composite Quantum SystemsOver the years enormous effort was invested in proving ergodicity, but for a number of reasons, con?dence in the fruitfulness of this approach has waned. — Y. Ben-Menahem and I. Pitowsky [1] Abstract The basic motivation behind the present text is threefold: To give a new explanation for the emergence of thermodynamics, to investigate the interplay between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, and to explore possible ext- sions of the common validity range of thermodynamics. Originally, thermodynamics has been a purely phenomenological science. Early s- entists (Galileo, Santorio, Celsius, Fahrenheit) tried to give de?nitions for quantities which were intuitively obvious to the observer, like pressure or temperature, and studied their interconnections. The idea that these phenomena might be linked to other ?elds of physics, like classical mechanics, e.g., was not common in those days. Such a connection was basically introduced when Joule calculated the heat equ- alent in 1840 showing that heat was a form of energy, just like kinetic or potential energy in the theory of mechanics. At the end of the 19th century, when the atomic theory became popular, researchers began to think of a gas as a huge amount of bouncing balls inside a box. |
Other editions - View all
Quantum Thermodynamics: Emergence of Thermodynamic Behavior Within Composite ... Jochen Gemmer,M. Michel,Günter Mahler No preview available - 2012 |
Quantum Thermodynamics: Emergence of Thermodynamic Behavior Within Composite ... Jochen Gemmer,M. Michel,Günter Mahler No preview available - 2009 |
Common terms and phrases
ˆρ according already applies approach approximation assume average basis behavior Boltzmann calculate cell Chap classical closed compared complete compute considerations considered constant container correlations corresponding coupling cycle defined definition density depends derive described detail discussed distribution dynamics energy entropy environment equal equation equilibrium evolution example exchange expectation finite function Gemmer given Hamiltonian heat Hilbert space increasing initial integration interaction introduced leads limit matrix maximum means measure microcanonical Note observables operator parameters particles phase space Phys Physics possible principle probability projection properties quantities quantum mechanics reads reduced References region relaxation respect result Sect shown spectrum standard Statistical subsystem temperature term theory thermodynamic transport typicality variables variance volume yields