Starts 28 Apr 2016 16:30
Ends 28 Apr 2016 18:00
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The theoretical bases of quantum statistical mechanics and a recently identified mechanism for their failure
ICTP
Leonardo Building - Budinich Lecture Hall
Abstract:
I will review the basic physical hypothesis on the microscopic dynamics of a quantum system which are made to justify its approximate treatment with the tools of statistical mechanics. In particular, I will focus on the modern treatment of the ergodic hypothesis, the Eigenstate Thermalisation Hypothesis (or ETH). The prominent failure mode in generic quantum systems is called Many-Body Localization (or MBL) and it is at the core of the current research on the foundations of statistical mechanics.
I will review the basic physical hypothesis on the microscopic dynamics of a quantum system which are made to justify its approximate treatment with the tools of statistical mechanics. In particular, I will focus on the modern treatment of the ergodic hypothesis, the Eigenstate Thermalisation Hypothesis (or ETH). The prominent failure mode in generic quantum systems is called Many-Body Localization (or MBL) and it is at the core of the current research on the foundations of statistical mechanics.