Out-of-Equilibrium Quantum Dynamics

Ross Dorner

This thesis is a study of non-equilibrium phenomena in quantum systems. Emphasis is given to the recently derived non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems, which relate the non-equilibrium response of a system to its equilibrium thermodynamic properties. We investigate the validity and importance of these theorems, from both a theoretical and experimental perspective, in systems ranging from a single atom to an ensemble of interacting particles. We also investigate the potential role of quantum dynamics in biological processes.

Laurent Sanchez-Palencia

Thomas Gasenzer, Stefan Keßler, Jan Martin Pawlowski

Toshihico Arimitsu, J. Pradko, Hiroomi Umezawa

The generating functional formulation of non-equilibrium thermo field dynamics (NETFD) is given. The results are compared with those obtained by Schwinger who introduced the forward and backward time axes in order to include the dissipation effect. The relation of NETFD to other closed time-path formalisms is also given. As NETFD is an operator formalism of quantum field theory for non-equilibrium situations, one can say that the usual Green's function formalisms are well founded by NETFD through the comparison given in this paper.

Tim Langen, Michael Gring, Maximilian Kuhnert +7 more

Non-equilibrium dynamics of isolated quantum many-body systems play an important role in many areas of physics. However, a general answer to the question of how these systems relax is still lacking. We experimentally study the dynamics of ultracold one-dimensional (1D) Bose gases. This reveals the existence of a quasi-steady prethermalized state which differs significantly from the thermal equilibrium of the system. Our results demonstrate that the dynamics of non-equilibrium quantum many-body systems is a far richer process than has been assumed in the past.

Laurent Sanchez-Palencia