Quantum thermodynamics

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In the physical sciences, quantum thermodynamics is the study of heat and work dynamics in quantum systems. Approximately, quantum thermodynamics attempts to combine thermodynamics and quantum mechanics into a coherent whole.

1 Overview
2 See also
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Overview

A central objective in quantum thermodynamics is the quantitative and qualitative determination of the laws of thermodynamics at the quantum level in which uncertainty and probability begin to take effect. A fundamental question is: what remains of thermodynamics if one goes to the extreme limit of small quantum systems having a few degrees of freedom? If thermodynamics applies at this level, are the many formulations of the second law of thermodynamics, i.e. the entropy of a closed system cannot decrease, heat flows from high to low temperature, systems evolve towards minimum potential energy wells, energy tends to dissipate, etc., still applicable, or is there a more “universal” formulation?

[edit] See also

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[edit] References

Gemmer, J., Michel, M., Mahler, G. (2005). Quantum Thermodynamics – Emergence of Thermodynamic Behavior Within Composite Quantum Systems. Springer. ISBN 3-540-22911-6.
Rudakov, E.S. (1998). Molecular, Quantum and Evolution Thermodynamics: Development and Specialization of the Gibbs Method.. Donetsk State University Press. ISBN 966-02-0708-5.