Physics of a microsystem starting from nonequilibrium quantum statistical mechanics

Physics of a microsystem starting from non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics

In this paper we address the problem to give a concrete support to the idea, originally stemming from Niels Bohr, that quantum mechanics must be rooted inside the physics of macroscopic systems. It is shown that, starting from the formalism of the non-equilibrium statistical operator, which is now a consolidated part of quantum statistical mechanics, particular correlations between two isolated...

Nonequilibrium Quantum Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics *

The purpose of this work is to discuss recent progress in deriving the fundamental laws of thermodynamics (0, 1 and 2-law) from nonequilibrium quantum statistical mechanics. Basic thermodynamic notions are clarified and different reversible and irreversible thermodynamic processes are studied from the point of view of quantum statistical mechanics. Special emphasis is put on new adiabatic theor...

Stationary nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Systems in stationary nonequilibrium are mechanical systems subject to nonconservative external forces and to thermostat forces which forbid indefinite increase of the energy and allow reaching statistically stationary states. A system Σ is described by the positions and velocities of its n particles X, Ẋ, with the particles positions confined to a finite volume container C0. If X = (x1, . . .,...

Viscosity from Newton to Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics∗

This paper is devoted to the transport process of momentum, the viscosity. We outline the historical development of hydrodynamics, the branch of physics in which the shear and bulk viscosities are expressed. We show the transition between the mechanical philosophy claiming that the conservation of energy is coupled to cyclic, reversible dynamics, and the birth of a new science, thermodynamics, ...

Elements of Nonequilibrium Statistical Mechanics