International Journal of Quantum Chemistry
Equilibrium and nonequilibrium theory of dilute Bose gases
Yves Pomeau A
Abstract
Abstract The explanation of the phenomenon of superfluidity requires an in‐depth analysis of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium statistics. This can be done in dilute gases by a systematic expansion in powers of the density, as done for classical gases in Prigogine's book on kinetic theory. Following the method of expansion of Prigogine and Résibois, the thermodynamics of a dilute gas of N identical Bosons with condensate can be studied in the case of a superflow, that is, of a finite and uniform velocity difference between the normal and superfluid component (assumed at rest). The microscopic interactions between the two components conserve the momentum of the normal component, making it a thermodynamic parameter. No thermal equilibrium exists if the velocity difference is larger than a critical value far below the onset of dissipation given by Landau's criterion. Consequences of this are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004