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The Union of Quantum Field Theory and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics

Authors: Bartolotta, Anthony Leo;

The Union of Quantum Field Theory and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics

Abstract

Quantum field theory is the language used to describe nature at its most fundamental scales; while thermodynamics is a framework to describe the collective behavior of macroscopic systems. Recent advances in non-equilibrium thermodynamics have enabled this framework to be applied to smaller systems operating out of thermal equilibrium. This thesis is concerned with both quantum field theory and non-equilibrium thermodynamics independently and with their intersection. First, a purely phenomenological application of quantum field theory is explored in the context of the upcoming Mu2E experiment. This experiment will look for rare decays which would indicate the presence of physics beyond the Standard Model. Using the language of effective field theories, a next-to-leading order analysis of the conversion rate is performed. The focus then shifts to an apparent paradox in the Bayesian interpretation of statistical mechanics. For a Bayesian observer making measurements of an open system, the Shannon entropy decreases, in apparent violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. It is shown that rather than utilizing the entropy, which can decrease under Bayesian updates, the Second Law for a Bayesian observer can be rephrased in terms of a cross-entropy which is always non-negative. Finally, the intersection of quantum field theory and non-equilibrium thermodynamics is examined. Using quantum work fluctuation theorems, an investigation of how these frameworks can be applied to a driven quantum field theory is performed. For a time-dependent variant of λφ4 , analytic expressions for the work distribution functions at one-loop order are derived. These expressions are shown to satisfy the quantum Jarzynski equality and Crooks fluctuation theorem.

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Keywords

Quantum Field Theory, Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics, Physics, Fluctuation Theorems, Flavor Changing Neutral Currents, Statistical Mechanics

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
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Average
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