Quantum and Classical Mpemba Effects: From Theoretical Models to Practical Applications
A special issue of Entropy (ISSN 1099-4300). This special issue belongs to the section "Quantum Information".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 73
Special Issue Editors
Interests: equilibrium statistical physics; nonequilibrium statistical physics; thermodynamics of long-range interacting systems; polymer physics; dynamics of polymer liquids; polymer rheology
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Mpemba effect, named after Tanzanian student Erasto Mpemba, refers to the counterintuitive phenomenon where hot water freezes faster than cold water under certain conditions. First documented by Mpemba and Denis Osborne in 1969, this effect traces back to observations made by Aristotle and has sparked debates for centuries. Explanations for the Mpemba effect vary, including evaporation, convection, supercooling, and dissolved gases. Recent studies suggest it arises from nonequilibrium dynamics, where initial conditions influence relaxation rates. Theoretical frameworks like Markovian dynamics and kinetic theory model this effect, showing that systems can exhibit nonmonotonic relaxation times based on their initial states. Models such as the double-well potential for Brownian particles and mean-field spin systems demonstrate the effect, with some predicting a "strong" version where relaxation is exponentially faster. Quantum analogs have also been explored, linking the effect to entanglement and open-system dynamics. Potential applications include optimizing cooling protocols, enhancing heat engine efficiency, and accelerating chemical reactions. Despite progress, the Mpemba effect remains partially understood, with ongoing research aiming to unify its mechanisms and harness its implications for thermodynamics and material science.
Given the significant role of both classical and quantum Mpemba effects in nonequilibrium statistical physics and quantum physics, this Special Issue of Entropy invites contributions exploring various aspects of the Mpemba effect. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Theoretical models of the Mpemba effect;
- Physical mechanisms underlying the Mpemba effect;
- Manifestations of the Mpemba effect in diverse physical systems;
- Experimental verification of the Mpemba effect;
- Nonequilibrium simulation methods consistent with the laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics;
- Mpemba effect and machine learning;
- Practical applications of the Mpemba effect.
The above list is indicative rather than exhaustive. We welcome original theoretical, computational, experimental, and review articles on the Mpemba effect. Studies covering a broad range of systems—such as water, colloidal systems, spin systems, granular gases, spin glasses, polymer systems, quantum systems, and active matter—are particularly encouraged.
We hope this collection will advance our understanding of anomalous relaxation phenomena across classical and quantum domains. We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Jixuan Hou
Dr. Zhiyue Lu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Entropy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- Mpemba effect
- nonequilibrium dynamics
- anomalous relaxation
- cooling protocols
- quantum Mpemba effect
- quantum thermal quench
- Markovian dynamics
- strong Mpemba effect
- open quantum systems
- non-equilibrium quantum dynamics
- non-Markovian quantum dynamics
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
