On the transition from quantum decoherence to thermal dynamics in natural conditions

TL;DR

This paper proposes a unified mechanism within the standard model explaining wavefunction collapse, decoherence, and thermalization, linking quantum and classical behaviors through spontaneous local events causing diffusion and state stabilization.

Contribution

It introduces a natural, endogenous process within the standard model that accounts for quantum-to-classical transition, decoherence, and thermal dynamics without extra assumptions.

Findings

Particles undergo spontaneous events disrupting correlations.

System evolution involves particles jumping between localized modes.

Transport laws and equilibrium properties emerge from mode transitions.

Abstract

A single mechanism, endemic to the standard model of physics, is proposed to explain wavefunction collapse, classical motion, dissipation, equilibration, and the transition from pure quantum mechanics through open system decoherence to the natural regime. Spontaneous events in the neighborhood of a particle disrupts correlation such that large many-particle states do not persist and each particle collapses to a stable mode of motion established by its neighbors. These events are the source of thermal fluctuation and drive diffusion. Consequently, evolution is not deterministic, unitary or classically conservative; diffusion toward a steady state occurs incessantly in every system of particles, though slowed under unnatural experimental conditions that suppress these events. Mean properties of a system evolve as particles jump between single-particle modes, producing observed transport laws and equilibrium properties without additional postulate or empirical factors. These modes are localized in dense material, yielding classical characteristics. Boltzmann's equal probability postulate is valid only when comparing results of nonrelativistic observers.