Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium (II)

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

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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.

Commentary on:Shenker, Orly R. and Hemmo, Meir (2001) Quantum Decoherence and the Approach to Equilibrium (Part 1).
EPrint Type:Preprint
Keywords:Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, GRW, Decoherence, Spin Echo
Subjects:Specific Sciences: Physics: Statistical Mechanics/Thermodynamics
Specific Sciences: Physics: Quantum Mechanics
ID Code:1940
Deposited By:Shenker, Orly R.
Deposited On:04 September 2004

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