Shape- and topology-dependent heat capacity of few-particle systems

TL;DR

This study explores how the heat capacity of few-fermion systems varies with the shape and topology of their confining cavity, revealing unique quantum effects at low temperatures.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the shape- and topology-dependent thermal properties of systems with fewer than five fermions, highlighting quantum effects absent in larger systems.

Findings

Maximum heat capacity at low T is more prominent for n=2 fermions.

Heat capacity approaches zero exponentially as T approaches zero.

Classical behavior is recovered at high T.

Abstract

Thermal properties of few-fermion (n < 5) systems are investigated. The dependence of the heat capacity on the topology and shape of the cavity containing the particles is analyzed. It is found that the maximum of the heat capacity, occuring at low T, discussed recently by Toutounji for a system with n = 1 fermions, is even more visible for n = 2, but fades away for n = 3 and 4. For large T, the classical behavior is obtained; however, when T -> 0, the heat capacity tends to zero exponentially, not linearly, as in macroscopic and even mesoscopic systems. The physical relevance of these results is discussed.