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Quantum systems can exhibit thermodynamic relaxation, similar to classical systems. Unitary dynamics in spin-1/2 systems show deterministic relaxation of magnetization, offering insights into thermodynamics in closed quantum systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Quantum thermodynamics
  • Statistical mechanics
  • Condensed matter physics

Background:

  • Nonequilibrium thermodynamics describes system relaxation towards equilibrium.
  • Classical systems exhibit Markovian relaxation of observables like temperature differences.
  • Understanding thermodynamics in closed quantum systems remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if unitary dynamics in quantum systems can replicate classical thermodynamic relaxation.
  • To explore the emergence of thermodynamic behavior from quantum mechanics.

Main Methods:

  • Simulations of moderately sized spin-1/2 systems.
  • Analysis of unitary evolution of magnetization differences.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated that unitary dynamics can lead to Markovian relaxation of magnetization differences.
  • Observed relaxation dynamics independent of most initial state details.
  • The observed behavior mirrors classical thermodynamic relaxation.

Conclusions:

  • Unitary dynamics in closed quantum systems can generate thermodynamic relaxation.
  • This finding provides a potential bridge between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics.
  • Supports the understanding of how macroscopic thermodynamic laws emerge from microscopic quantum dynamics.