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Measuring nonequilibrium temperature of forced oscillators
1Center for Promotion of Computational Science and Engineering, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan.
Summary
The study explores temperature in nonequilibrium thermodynamics, revealing two distinct effective temperatures for position and momentum. A proposed thermometer model shows temperature measurements depend on system-thermometer interaction, challenging the immediate extension of the zeroth law of thermodynamics.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Exploring the concept of temperature in systems not at thermal equilibrium.
- Investigating the behavior of a forced harmonic oscillator in a heat bath.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and investigate the meaning of temperature in nonequilibrium thermodynamics.
- To propose and analyze a model thermometer for validating effective temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a forced harmonic oscillator model in a heat bath.
- Developing a concrete thermometer model to test operational definitions of temperature.
Main Results:
- Identified two distinct effective temperatures: one for position and one for momentum.
- Demonstrated that measured temperature is contingent on the specific system-thermometer interaction.
- Showcased that the zeroth law of thermodynamics does not directly apply to nonequilibrium scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The operational definition of temperature in nonequilibrium systems is complex and interaction-dependent.
- The traditional zeroth law of thermodynamics requires careful re-evaluation for nonequilibrium conditions.