Quantum thermodynamics
Subtitle: emergence of thermodynamic behavior within composite quantum systems
By: J. Gemmer, M. Michel, G. Mahler.
Contributors: Michel, M. 1975-; Mahler, Günter.
Edition: 1st ed.
Series: Lecture notes in physics,; 657
Publisher: Springer
Published: 2004
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 287
Subjects: Quantum theory.; Thermodynamics.
Description: This tutorial essay views thermodynamics as an incomplete description of quantum systems with many degrees of freedom.The main goal is to show that the approach to equilibrium with equilibrium characterized by maximum ignorance about the open system of interest - does neither require that many particles nor is the precise way of partitioning relevant for the solient features of equilibrium and equilibration. Moreover it is indeed quantum effects that are at work in bringing about universal thermodynamic behaviour of modest size open systems. Von Neumann`s concept of entropy thus appears as much more widely useful than sometimes feared, way beyond truely macrosopic systems in equilibrium.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [271]-278) and index.
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