Quantum statistical mechanics from a Bohmian perspective

TL;DR

This paper presents a Bohmian interpretation of quantum statistical mechanics using probability currents and trajectories, offering an intuitive microscopic perspective consistent with standard quantum predictions.

Contribution

It introduces a general formulation of quantum statistical mechanics based on probability currents and Bohmian trajectories, applicable to both closed and open systems.

Findings

Microscopic trajectories align with standard quantum predictions.

Provides a Bohmian interpretation of entropy and thermodynamics.

Offers a simple, intuitive framework for quantum statistical phenomena.

Abstract

We develop a general formulation of quantum statistical mechanics in terms of probability currents that satisfy continuity equations in the multi-particle position space, for closed and open systems with a fixed number of particles. The continuity equation for any closed or open system suggests a natural Bohmian interpretation in terms of microscopic particle trajectories, that make the same measurable predictions as standard quantum theory. The microscopic trajectories are not directly observable, but provide a general, simple and intuitive microscopic interpretation of macroscopic phenomena in quantum statistical mechanics. In particular, we discuss how various notions of entropy, proper and improper mixtures, and thermodynamics are understood from the Bohmian perspective.