Quantum Theory and Statistical Thermodynamics

Jurij Avsec, Milan Marčič

Erol Çubukçu

Hatsopoulos and Gyftopoulos (1976a,b,c,d) founded the Unified Quantum Theory of Mechanics and Thermodynamics. This theory encompasses both quantum mechanics and thermodynamics within a single mathematical framework. Unlike statistical approaches, it treats thermodynamics as a non-statistical (hence, a physical) theory and is intended to describe all reversible and irreversible phenomena. Unfortunately, the theory has long been criticized for not bringing anything new beyond statistical quantum thermodynamics. To break through this misconception that thermodynamics is a statistical theory, experimental validation at a microscopic scale, where statistical effects are negligible, would be fruitful. In this paper, which is based on the dissertation work of the author (1993), experiments that were previously reported are investigated within the framework of the new theory. It is argued that they provide an undeniable confirmation of the theory and the existence of irreversibility at the microscopic scale.An initial version of this paper was published inJuly of 2006 in the proceedings of ECOS’06, AghiaPelagia, Crete, Greece.

Wesley E. Brittin, Asım Orhan Barut

Samina Masood

This chapter introduces fundamental laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. It offers concise overviews of thermodynamics, probability theory, and statistical mechanics, which are crucial for studying multi-particle systems. A comprehensive discussion of the statistical behavior of many-particle systems in terms of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics is included. The significance of probability in quantum mechanics is emphasized in terms of all the (multiple) states available to a single particle. Definitions of thermodynamic variables and statistical parameters are necessary for understanding quantum statistical field theories, which bridge individual particle behavior and averaged thermodynamic properties.

Edward G. Harris

Mikio Nakahara, Shu Tanaka

This book is a collection of lecture notes from the Symposium on Quantum Computing, Thermodynamics, and Statistical Physics, held at Kinki University in March 2012. Quantum information theory has a deep connection with statistical physics and thermodynamics. This volume introduces some of the topics on interface among the mentioned fields. Subjects included in the lecture notes include quantum annealing method, nonequilibrium thermodynamics and spin glass theory, among others. These subjects were presented with much emphasis put in its relevance in quantum information theory. These lecture notes are prepared in a self-contained manner so that a reader with modest background may understand the subjects.