Search Results (46)

In this study, we explore the order–disorder transition in the dynamics of a straightforward master equation that describes the evolution of a probability distribution between two states, $p_1$ and $p_2$ (with $p_1+p_2=1$). We focus on (1) the behavior of entropy S, (2) the distance D from the uniform distribution ($p_1=p_2=1/2$), and (3) the free energy F. To facilitate understanding, we introduce two price-ratios: ${\eta }_S={\displaystyle \frac{dS/dt}{dF/dt}}$ and ${\eta }_D={\displaystyle \frac{dD/dt}{dF/dt}}$. They respectively define the energetic costs of modifying (1) S and (2) D. Our findings indicate that both energy costs diverge to plus and minus infinity as the system approaches the uniform distribution, marking a critical transition point where the master equation temporarily loses its physical meaning. Following this divergence, the system stabilizes itself into a new well-behaved regime, reaching finite values that signify a new steady state. This two-regime behavior showcases the intricate dynamics of simple probabilistic systems and offers valuable insights into the relationships between entropy, distance in probability space, and free energy within the framework of statistical mechanics, making it a useful case study that highlights the underlying principles of the system’s evolution and equilibrium. Our discussion revolves about the order–disorder contrast that is important in various scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and material science, and even in broader contexts like philosophy and social sciences. Full article

In this study, we utilize information theory tools to investigate notable features of the quantum degree of mixedness ($C_f$) in a finite model of N interacting fermions. This model serves as a simplified proxy for an atomic nucleus, capturing its essential features in a more manageable form compared to a realistic nuclear model, which would require the diagonalization of matrices with millions of elements, making the extraction of qualitative features a significant challenge. Specifically, we aim to correlate $C_f$ with particle number fluctuations and temperature, using the paradigmatic Lipkin model. Our analysis reveals intriguing dependencies of $C_f$ on the total fermion number, showcasing distinct behaviors at different temperatures. Notably, we find that the degree of quantum mixedness exhibits a strong dependence on the total fermion number, with varying trends across different temperature regimes. Remarkably, this dependence remains unaffected by the strength of the fermion–fermion interaction (as long as it is non-zero), underscoring the robustness of the observed phenomena. Through comprehensive numerical simulations, we provide illustrative graphs depicting these dependencies, offering valuable insights into the fundamental characteristics of quantum many-body fermion systems. Our findings illuminate the intricate dynamics of the degree of mixedness, a crucial quantum property, with potential implications for diverse fields ranging from condensed matter physics to quantum information science. Full article

We explore the mathematical behavior of van der Waals gases at temperatures where classical descriptions are inadequate due to emerging quantum effects. Specifically, we focus on temperatures $T_2$ at which the thermal de Broglie wavelength becomes comparable to the interparticle spacing, signifying the onset of quantum mechanical influences. At such temperatures, we find that the isothermal compressibility of the gas becomes negative, indicating mechanical instability. In the pressure–density diagrams, we note that the pressure can become negative at small densities, illustrating the limitations of classical models and the necessity for quantum mechanical approaches. These phenomena serve as clear indicators of the transition from classical thermodynamics to quantum statistical mechanics. The observed mechanical instability and negative pressures represent rare macroscopic manifestations of quantum effects, demonstrating their profound impact on gas behavior. Our study highlights the significant role of emerging quantum properties on observable macroscopic scales, particularly for van der Waals gases at low temperatures and small densities. Additionally, we discuss the theoretical implications of our findings, underlining the limitations of the van der Waals model under extreme conditions and emphasizing the critical need to include quantum corrections in thermodynamic frameworks. Full article

In our study, we investigate the phenomenon of information loss, as measured by the Kullback–Leibler divergence, in a many-fermion system, such as the Lipkin model. Information loss is introduced as the number N of particles increases, particularly when the system is in a mixed state. We find that there is a significant loss of information under these conditions. However, we observe that this loss nearly disappears when the system is in a pure state. Our analysis employs tools from information theory to quantify and understand these effects. Full article

We analyze the (dynamical) classic limit of a special semiclassical system. We describe the interaction of a quantum system with a classical one. This limit has been well studied before as a function of a constant of motion linked to the Heisenberg principle. In this paper, we investigate the existence of the mentioned limit, but with reference to the total energy of the system. Additionally, we find an attractive result regarding the border of the transition. Full article

This work scrutinizes, using statistical mechanics indicators, important traits displayed by quantum many-body systems. Our statistical mechanics quantifiers are employed, in the context of Gibbs’ canonical ensemble at temperature T. A new quantifier of this sort is also presented here. The present discussion focuses attention on the role played by the fermion number N in many-fermion dynamics, that is, N is our protagonist. We have discovered discovers particular values of N for which the thermal indicators exhibit unexpected abrupt variations. Such a fact reflects an unanticipated characteristic of fermionic dynamics. Full article

Non-standard thermostatistical formalisms derived from generalizations of the Boltzmann–Gibbs entropy have attracted considerable attention recently. Among the various proposals, the one that has been most intensively studied, and most successfully applied to concrete problems in physics and other areas, is the one associated with the $S_q$ non-additive entropies. The $S_q$-based thermostatistics exhibits a number of peculiar features that distinguish it from other generalizations of the Boltzmann–Gibbs theory. In particular, there is a close connection between the $S_q$-canonical distributions and the micro-canonical ensemble. The connection, first pointed out in 1994, has been subsequently explored by several researchers, who elaborated this facet of the $S_q$-thermo-statistics in a number of interesting directions. In the present work, we provide a brief review of some highlights within this line of inquiry, focusing on micro-canonical scenarios leading to $S_q$-canonical distributions. We consider works on the micro-canonical ensemble, including historical ones, where the $S_q$-canonical distributions, although present, were not identified as such, and also more resent works by researchers who explicitly investigated the $S_q$-micro-canonical connection. Full article

We deal here with the notion of statistical order and apply it to a system of interacting fermions endowed with an SU2 × SU2 symmetry. The discussion takes place in a thermal quantum statistical scenario. Two distinct fermion–fermion interactions are at play. One of them is a well-known spin–flip interaction. The other is the pairing interaction responsible for nuclear superconductivity. We used novel statistical quantifiers that yield insights regarding changes in the statistical order produced when the values of the pertinent coupling constants vary. In particular, we show that judicious manipulation of the energy cost associated with statistical order variations with the fermion number is the key to understanding important details of the associated dynamics. Full article

We assess the degree of quantumness of the P, Q, and W quantum optics’ approximations in a thermal context governed by the canonical ensemble treatment. First, we remint the reader of the bridge connecting quantum optics with statistical mechanics using the abovementioned approximations at the temperature T. With the ensuing materials, we explore with some detail some features of the above bridge, related to the entropy and to thermal uncertainties. Some new relations concerning the degree of quantumness of the P, Q, and W are obtained by comparison between them and the exact and classical treatments. Full article

The notion of statistical order derives from the disequilibrium concept introduced by López-Ruiz, Mancini, and Calbet thirty years ago. In this effort, it is shown that the disequilibrium is intimately linked to the celebrated Rényi entropy. One also explores this link in connection with the van der Waals gas description. Full article

We discuss novel many-fermions thermodynamics’ features. They refer to the energy cost associated to order-disorder changes. Our thermal quantum statistical scenario is controlled by suitable fermion-fermion interactions. We deal with two well-known quantum interactions that operate within an exactly solvable model. This model is able to adequately describe some aspects of fermion-dynamics, particularly level-crossings. We describe things via employment of Gibbs’ canonical ensemble strictures. We show that judicious manipulation of the energy cost associated to statistical order (disorder) variations generates useful information-quantifiers. The underlying idea is that changes in the degree of order are intimately linked to level-crossings energetic costs. Full article

We deal here with an exactly solvable N-nucleon system that has been used to mimic typical features of quantum many-body systems. There is in the literature some controversy regarding the possible existence of a quantum phase transition in the model. We show here that an appeal to a suitable statistical quantifier called thermal efficiency puts an end to the controversy. Full article

We associate here the relationship between de-coherence to the statistical notion of disequilibrium with regards to the dynamics of a system that reflects the interaction between matter and a given field. The process is described via information geometry. Some of its tools are shown here to appropriately explain the process’ mechanism. In particular we gain some insight into what is the role of the uncertainty principle (UP) in the pertinent proceedings. Full article

Finite quantum many fermion systems are essential for our current understanding of Nature. They are at the core of molecular, atomic, and nuclear physics. In recent years, the application of information and complexity measures to the study of diverse types of many-fermion systems has opened a line of research that elucidates new aspects of the structure and behavior of this class of physical systems. In this work we explore the main features of information and information-based complexity indicators in exactly soluble many-fermion models of the Lipkin kind. Models of this kind have been extremely useful in shedding light on the intricacies of quantum many body physics. Models of the Lipkin kind play, for finite systems, a role similar to the one played by the celebrated Hubbard model of solid state physics. We consider two many fermion systems and show how their differences can be best appreciated by recourse to information theoretic tools. We appeal to information measures as tools to compare the structural details of different fermion systems. We will discover that few fermion systems are endowed by a much larger complexity-degree than many fermion ones. The same happens with the coupling-constants strengths. Complexity augments as they decrease, without reaching zero. Also, the behavior of the two lowest lying energy states are crucial in evaluating the system’s complexity. Full article