Quantum statistical mechanics from a Bohmian perspective

Nikolić, Hrvoje (2024) Quantum statistical mechanics from a Bohmian perspective. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 641 . ISSN 0378-4371

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Abstract

We develop a general formulation of quantum statistical mechanics in terms of probability currents that satisfy continuity equations in the multi-particle position space, for closed and open systems with a fixed number of particles. The continuity equation for any closed or open system suggests a natural Bohmian interpretation in terms of microscopic particle trajectories, that make the same measurable predictions as standard quantum theory. The microscopic trajectories are not directly observable, but provide a general, simple and intuitive microscopic interpretation of macroscopic phenomena in quantum statistical mechanics. In particular, we discuss how various notions of entropy, proper and improper mixtures, and thermodynamics are understood from the Bohmian perspective.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	quantum statistical mechanics; Bohmian mechanics; probability current; open system
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Physics
Divisions:	Theoretical Physics Division
Depositing User:	Lorena Palameta
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2025 09:42
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/9731
DOI:	10.1016/j.physa.2024.129757

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