Quantum maximum entropy principle for a system of identical particles

M. Trovato and L. Reggiani
Phys. Rev. E 81, 021119 – Published 12 February 2010

Abstract

By introducing a functional of the reduced density matrix, we generalize the definition of a quantum entropy which incorporates the indistinguishability principle of a system of identical particles. With the present definition, the principle of quantum maximum entropy permits us to solve the closure problem for a quantum hydrodynamic set of balance equations corresponding to an arbitrary number of moments in the framework of extended thermodynamics. The determination of the reduced Wigner function for equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions is found to become possible only by assuming that the Lagrange multipliers can be expanded in powers of 2. Quantum contributions are expressed in powers of 2 while classical results are recovered in the limit 0.

  • Received 6 August 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.81.021119

©2010 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

M. Trovato1 and L. Reggiani2

  • 1Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Catania, Viale A. Doria, 95125 Catania, Italy
  • 2Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’ Innovazione and CNISM, Università del Salento, Via Arnesano s/n, 73100 Lecce, Italy

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 81, Iss. 2 — February 2010

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×