ON THE QUANTUM STATISTICAL BASIS OF NON-EQUILIBRIUM THERMODYNAMICS. PART I

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Physica

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-8914(61)90109-4· OSTI ID:4047606

Vlieger, J; Mazur, P; de Groot, S R

The quantum statistical theory of Wigner distribution functions is developed to serve as a basis for the derivation of the Onsager reciprocal relations in non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The theory is closely analogous to the classical treatment, given by de Groot and Mazur. The following topics are discussed: (1) Time dependence of Wigner distribution functions, described by means of a propagator. The properties of this propagator are studied. (2) Equilibrium distribution function of a set of extensive state variables, which provide a macroscopic description of the system, assuming that these variables are represented by commuting operators in quantum theory. This probability distribution function is expressed in terms of the Wigner distribution function of the microcanonical ensemble, representing thermodynamic equilibrium. The properties of distribution functions of extensive variables, in particular those with regard to the even or odd character of these variables, are studied. (3) Defirition of a set of intensive thermodynamic variables, conjugate to the extensive state variables, by means of Boltzmann's entropy postulate. The theory is developed only for MaxwellBoltzmann statistics. (auth)

• Research Organization: Universiteit, Leiden
• NSA Number: NSA-15-021301
• OSTI ID: 4047606
• Journal Information: Physica, Journal Name: Physica Vol. Vol: 27
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BOLTZMANN STATISTICS
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DISTRIBUTION
ENTROPY
OPERATORS
PHYSICS
PROPAGATOR
QUANTUM MECHANICS
STABILITY
STATISTICS
THERMODYNAMICS
WIGNER DISTRIBUTION