Foundation of Statistical Mechanics under Experimentally Realistic Conditions

Peter Reimann
Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 190403 – Published 7 November 2008

Abstract

We demonstrate the equilibration of isolated macroscopic quantum systems, prepared in nonequilibrium mixed states with a significant population of many energy levels, and observed by instruments with a reasonably bound working range compared to the resolution limit. Both properties are satisfied under many, if not all, experimentally realistic conditions. At equilibrium, the predictions and limitations of statistical mechanics are recovered.

  • Received 19 September 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.190403

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Peter Reimann

  • Fakultät für Physik, Universität Bielefeld, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany

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Issue

Vol. 101, Iss. 19 — 7 November 2008

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