Physics – Quantum Physics
Scientific paper
2008-12-12
Physics
Quantum Physics
12.1 pages
Scientific paper
The circumstances under which a system reaches thermal equilibrium, and how to derive this from basic dynamical laws, has been a major question from the very beginning of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Despite considerable progress, it remains an open problem. Motivated by this issue, we address the more general question of equilibration. We prove, with virtually full generality, that reaching equilibrium is a universal property of quantum systems: Almost any subsystem in interaction with a large enough bath will reach an equilibrium state and remain close to it for almost all times. We also prove several general results about other aspects of thermalisation besides equilibration, for example, that the equilibrium state does not depend on the detailed micro-state of the bath.
Linden Noah
Popescu Sandu
Short Anthony J.
Winter Andreas
No associations
LandOfFree
Quantum mechanical evolution towards thermal equilibrium does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Quantum mechanical evolution towards thermal equilibrium, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quantum mechanical evolution towards thermal equilibrium will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-610334