Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Characterization of Thermal Transport in One-dimensional Solid Materials
Published on: January 26, 2014
Inconsistency in the application of the adiabatic theorem
Karl-Peter Marzlin1, Barry C Sanders
1Institute for Quantum Information Science, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Abstract:
The adiabatic theorem states that an initial eigenstate of a slowly varying Hamiltonian remains close to an instantaneous eigenstate of the Hamiltonian at a later time. We show that a perfunctory application of this statement is problematic if the change in eigenstate is significant, regardless of how closely the evolution satisfies the requirements of the adiabatic theorem. We also introduce an example of a two-level system with an exactly solvable evolution to demonstrate the inapplicability of the adiabatic approximation for a particular slowly varying Hamiltonian.
More Related Videos
13:27Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
Published on: June 8, 2015
10:29Experimental Methodology for Estimation of Local Heat Fluxes and Burning Rates in Steady Laminar Boundary Layer Diffusion Flames
Published on: June 1, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Adiabatic Processes for an Ideal Gas
Pressure and Volume in an Adiabatic Process
Work Done in an Adiabatic Process
Efficiency of The Carnot Cycle
Joule-Thomson Effect
This experiment forces high-pressure gas through a throttle valve or a porous plug to a lower-pressure region. The gas expands as it passes through to...
The Joule and Joule–Thomson Experiments