Ab initio relaxation times and time-dependent Hamiltonians within the steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamic framework

Ilki Kim and Michael R. von Spakovsky
Phys. Rev. E 96, 022129 – Published 14 August 2017

Abstract

Quantum systems driven by time-dependent Hamiltonians are considered here within the framework of steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamics (SEAQT) and used to study the thermodynamic characteristics of such systems. In doing so, a generalization of the SEAQT framework valid for all such systems is provided, leading to the development of an ab initio physically relevant expression for the intrarelaxation time, an important element of this framework and one that had as of yet not been uniquely determined as an integral part of the theory. The resulting expression for the relaxation time is valid as well for time-independent Hamiltonians as a special case and makes the description provided by the SEAQT framework more robust at the fundamental level. In addition, the SEAQT framework is used to help resolve a fundamental issue of thermodynamics in the quantum domain, namely, that concerning the unique definition of process-dependent work and heat functions. The developments presented lead to the conclusion that this framework is not just an alternative approach to thermodynamics in the quantum domain but instead one that uniquely sheds new light on various fundamental but as of yet not completely resolved questions of thermodynamics.

  • Figure
  • Received 3 March 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.96.022129

©2017 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Statistical Physics & Thermodynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Ilki Kim1,* and Michael R. von Spakovsky2

  • 1Center for Energy Research and Technology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina 27411, USA
  • 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA

  • *hannibal.ikim@gmail.com

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Issue

Vol. 96, Iss. 2 — August 2017

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