Year: 1994
Type: article
Abstract: Based on a commonly used model for the time evolution of extensive variables and on the basis of the analogies between the nonlinear stochastic theory and imaginary time quantum mechanics in curved space, we set up a canonical operator formulation of non-equilibrium thermodynamics which emphasizes the fundamental role played by the Boltzmann constant k in fluctuations. The k to 0 of this theory yields the classical description of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The new formulation is technically useful and provides new insights which have important consequences, namely the thermodynamic uncertainty principle and the quantization of the entropy production rate for stationary states.
Author: M Mehrafarin
Institution: Amirkabir University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2062061982