The thermodynamic entropy of a macroscopic quantum system is a continuous function of energy

TL;DR

This paper redefines the thermodynamic entropy for large quantum systems, showing it is a continuous function of energy, which supports the thermodynamic consistency of negative temperatures and bridges quantum mechanics with thermodynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a continuous energy-based entropy for finite quantum systems, resolving discreteness issues and aligning quantum thermodynamics with classical principles.

Findings

Entropy as a continuous function of energy for quantum systems

Thermodynamic properties are preserved with this entropy definition

Negative temperature concept remains consistent with thermodynamics

Abstract

The proper definition of entropy is fundamental to the relationship between statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. It also plays a major role in the recent debate about the validity of the concept of negative temperature. In this paper, I analyze and calculate the thermodynamic entropy for large, but finite quantum mechanical systems. A special feature of this analysis is that the thermodynamic energy of a quantum system is shown to be a continuous variable, rather than being associated with discrete energy eigenvalues. Calculations of the entropy as a function of energy can be carried out with a Legendre transform of thermodynamic potentials obtained from a canonical ensemble. The resultant expressions for the entropy are also able to describe equilibrium between quantum systems having incommensurate energy-level spacings. This definition of entropy preserves all required thermodynamic properties, including satisfaction of all postulates and laws of thermodynamics. It also demonstrates the consistency of the concept of negative temperature with the principles of thermodynamics.