Shenker, Orly R. and Hemmo, Meir (2004) Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium (II). [Preprint]

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Abstract

In a previous paper (Hemmo and Shenker 2003) we discussed a recent proposal by Albert (2000, Ch. 7) to recover thermodynamics on a purely dynamical basis, using the quantum theory of the collapse of the quantum state of Ghirardi, Rimini and Weber (1986). We proposed an alternative way to explain thermodynamics within no collapse interpretations of quantum mechanics. In this paper some difficulties faced by both approaches are discussed and solved: the spin echo experiments, and the problem of extremely light gases. In these contexts, we point out several ways in which the above quantum mechanical approaches as well as some other classical approaches to the foundations of statistical mechanics may be distinguished experimentally.

Available Versions of this Item

• Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium (Part 2). (deposited 22 Jun 2003)

Commentary/Response Threads

• Shenker, Orly R.and Hemmo, Meir Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium (Part 1). (deposited 16 Nov 2002)
  • Shenker, Orly R.and Hemmo, Meir Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium (II). (deposited 04 Sep 2004)[Currently Displayed]

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