"Can we derive the second law of thermodynamics from the Schrödinger equation?" Biao Wu

Can we derive the second law of thermodynamics from the Schrödinger equation?

Prof. Biao Wu
Professor, Peking University, China

• Thursday, 2 October
• 10:30-11:30
• Meeting Room C016, Lab1

Abstract:
The answer for this question is YES for majority of quantum systems. We introduce an entropy for quantum pure state, and shows the dynamical evolution of this entropy obeys a quantum H-theorem, which implies the second law of thermodynamics. We compare this result to a quantum H-theorem proved by von Neumann in 1929 [Zeitschrift fur Physik 57 (1929) 30]. In addition, for our entropy for quantum states, a system always has bigger entropy than its subsystem even when the system is described by a pure state. This is not case for the well-known von Neumann entropy.

Reference: Han and Wu, arXiv: 1406.6527

Looking forward to seeing many of you at the seminar.

Quantum Systems Unit