Potential insights into non-equilibrium behavior from atomic physics

TL;DR

This paper discusses recent experimental advances in atomic physics that could lead to significant progress in understanding non-equilibrium quantum statistical physics, focusing on universal problems beyond traditional equilibrium and linear response theories.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of atomic physics experiments to address fundamental, universal issues in non-equilibrium quantum statistical physics where existing theories are limited.

Findings

Experimental advances offer new insights into non-equilibrium behavior.

Universal principles in non-equilibrium quantum systems are being explored.

Challenges remain in formulating general theories beyond equilibrium and linear response.

Abstract

This chapter seeks to outline a few basic problems in quantum statistical physics where recent experimental advances from the atomic physics community offer the hope of dramatic progress. The focus is on nonequilibrium situations where the powerful concepts and methods of equilibrium statistical physics and "linear response" theory (for small deviations from equilibrium) are not applicable. The problems discussed here are chosen in part because they have a high degree of "universality" or generality across different microscopic situations, as the major challenge in nonequilibrium statistical physics, both quantum and classical, has been to find principles as general as the basic principles of equilibrium statistical physics or linear response.