The Vacuum Fluctuation Theorem: Exact Schroedinger Equation via Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper derives the Schrödinger equation from nonequilibrium thermodynamics principles, proposing a vacuum fluctuation theorem that offers insights into quantum nonlocality with a minimal reliance on quantum assumptions.

Contribution

It presents the first exact derivation of the Schrödinger equation from classical physics using nonequilibrium thermodynamics, introducing a vacuum fluctuation theorem.

Findings

Exact Schrödinger equation derived from classical thermodynamics.

Introduction of a vacuum fluctuation theorem related to quantum nonlocality.

Minimal model dependence ensures broad applicability.

Abstract

By assuming that a particle of energy hbar.omega is actually a dissipative system maintained in a nonequilibrium steady state by a constant throughput of energy (heat flow), the exact Schroedinger equation is derived, both for conservative and nonconservative systems. Thereby, only universal properties of oscillators and nonequilibrium thermostatting are used, such that a maximal model independence of the hypothesised sub-quantum physics is guaranteed. It is claimed that this represents the shortest derivation of the Schroedinger equation from (modern) classical physics in the literature, and the only exact one, too. Moreover, a "vacuum fluctuation theorem" is presented, with particular emphasis on possible applications for a better understanding of quantum mechanical nonlocal effects.