Signatures of relic quantum nonequilibrium

TL;DR

This thesis investigates the potential primordial quantum nonequilibrium, proposing a framework for thermodynamic relaxation, exploring mechanisms that prevent relaxation, and discussing observational signatures in relic cosmological particles.

Contribution

It introduces the iRelax framework unifying classical and quantum relaxation, and analyzes conditions for primordial quantum nonequilibrium to be detectable in cosmological relics.

Findings

Entropy conservation as a minimal thermodynamic relaxation requirement

Identification of quantum states where relaxation is impeded

Potential spectral signatures of quantum nonequilibrium in dark matter decay

Abstract

[Shortened Abstract:] This thesis explores the possibility that quantum probabilities arose thermodynamically. A chief concern is the detection of primordial `quantum nonequilibrium', since this is observably distinct from textbook quantum physics. Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 are adaptations of references [1,2,3], and [4] respectively. Chapter 2 proposes (information) entropy conservation as a minimal requirement for a theory to feature classical-style thermodynamic relaxation. The resulting structure is dubbed `the iRelax framework'. Both classical mechanics and de Broglie-Bohm quantum theory are shown to be special cases. Indications for a possible extension or unification of de Broglie-Bohm theory are briefly highlighted. Chapter 3 examines ways in which quantum relaxation may be prevented. The method of the drift-field is introduced. A systematic treatment of nodes is given. A category of quantum states is found for which relaxation is significantly impeded, and may not complete at all. Chapters 4 and 5 consider the possibility that primordial quantum nonequilibrium may be conserved in the statistics of a species of relic cosmological particle. Necessary factors for this to be the case are discussed and illustrative scenarios are given both in terms of nonequilibrium particles created by inflaton decay, as well as relic vacuum modes for species that decoupled close to the Planck temperature. The search for so-called `smoking-gun' spectral lines created by dark matter decay or annihilation is argued to be a particularly promising setting for the detection of quantum nonequilibrium. Unintuitive spectral effects relating to the contextuality of quantum measurements are described. If such a suspected source of quantum nonequilibrium were found, its subjection to a specifically quantum mechanical test would confirm or deny the presence of the quantum nonequilibrium conclusively.