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  Thermal equilibrium of density matrices ensemble

+ 1 like - 0 dislike
2563 views

Background

So let's presume I have N density matrices  and their corresponding Hamiltonian of each. Let the temperature of each i'th density matrix ρi be Ti of Hamiltonian Hi. Note, all the i Hamiltonians are indistinguishable (where I is a dummy index). We define 

βi=1kbTi

Let's say these density matrices are put in physical contact and  reach thermal equilibrium:

Nβf=Ni1βi

 

where the f subscript represents the quantity after thermal equilibrium. 

Now the below will be the partition of this ensemble of density matrices:

Zf=Tr eβfρfHf

Even though this is attaining thermal equilibrium is irreversible process it can be approximated by infinitely many reversible ones given by unitary evolution under which the partition function is invariant.

Therefore:

Tr eNkβkρkHk=Tr eβfρfHf

where,

Hf=H1H2HN

and 

NkβkρkHk=β1ρ1H1β2ρ2H2βNρNHN

Taylor expanding:

Tr (IiNkβkρkHk+(NkβkρkHk)22!+)

=Tr IfβfρfHf(βfρfHf)22!+

Note: the mismatch of the first term is the identity of different Hilbert spaces.

Now, taking derivatives:


Tr βj(INkβkρkHk+(NkβkρkHk)22!+)G.M,N

=Tr βj(IfβfρfHf+)G.M,N

Using this one can determine ρf

Question


How does one completely solve for all βi? In the sense given intial conditions I can go to final conditions. So how does one go from final to initial? What is the matrix whose inverse is required?

Also does the above calculation mean once someone starts with a mixed state density matrix the 2'nd law of thermodynamics forbids getting rid of the "classical probabilities"? 

asked Nov 5, 2019 in Applied Physics by Asaint (90 points) [ revision history ]
edited Nov 5, 2019 by Asaint
Most voted comments show all comments

The i would be the labels of N disjoint subsystems forming a big system.The density matrices would be the ρi=Z1ieβHi. Yours appear in the exponent, which is utter nonsense.

If you label the matrices with i, it means that they and and Hamiltonians are distinguishable.

Any particular density matrix describes somewhat "incomplete" system. If you "put the density matrices in contact (?)", it means involving completion (but unknown) part too, no?

Sorry, I was quite tired when I framed this question (had a long work day). I'll get back and properly reframe in after a day?

I'll be reposting a new question which was what this was intended to be for

Most recent comments show all comments

@ArnoldNeumaier I have edited the question. Sorry for the initial mix up.  

You still don't explain what the i's are. Furthermore the Hilbert spaces are usually infinite-dimensional, so the traces of the identity are infinite, and your Taylor expansion is meaningless. 

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