Published August 11, 1984 | Version v1
Journal article

Quantum thermodynamics. A new equation of motion for a single constituent of matter

  • 1. Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge (USA)
  • 2. Washington State Univ., Pullman (USA)
  • 3. Thermo Electron Corp., Waltham, MA (USA)

Description

A novel nonlinear equation of motion is proposed for quantum systems consisting of a single elementary constituent of matter. It is satisfied by pure states and by a special class of mixed states evolving unitarily. But, in general, it generates a nonunitary evolution of the state operator. It keeps the energy invariant and causes the entropy to increase with time until the system reaches a state of equilibrium or a limit cycle

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Nuovo Cim., B
Journal Volume
82
Journal Issue
2
Series
Nuovo Cim., B.
Journal Page Range
169-191
ISSN
0369-3554