Reworking the Zubarev's approach to non-equilibrium quantum statistical mechanics

TL;DR

This paper revisits Zubarev's non-equilibrium density operator approach, enhancing its application to quantum fluids and the Quark Gluon Plasma, emphasizing quantum effects in relativistic nuclear collisions.

Contribution

It provides a refined analysis of Zubarev's method, extending its applicability to modern quantum fluid systems like the Quark Gluon Plasma.

Findings

Reinterpreted Zubarev's approach for quantum fluids.

Connected the method to the physics of Quark Gluon Plasma.

Highlighted quantum effects in relativistic nuclear collisions.

Abstract

In this work the non-equilibrium density operator approach introduced by Zubarev more than 50 years ago to describe quantum systems at local thermodynamic equilibrium is revisited. This method - which was used to obtain the first ''Kubo" formula of shear viscosity, is especially suitable to describe quantum effects in fluids. This feature makes it a viable tool to describe the physics of the Quark Gluon Plasma in relativistic nuclear collisions.