Fall Colloquium- Topological Effects in Quantum Thermodynamics

Dr. Charles Stafford, University of Arizona

When

3 to 4 p.m., Oct. 11, 2019

Where

Abstract: The thermodynamics of open quantum systems coupled to topological fields is analyzed.  Both the Aharonov-Bohm effect for systems of charged particles and the Aharonov-Casher effect for systems of neutral spin-1/2 particles are considered.  A proper treatment of the work done by the topological fields is necessary to ensure that the entropy of the system is a state function, and to avoid certain thermodynamic paradoxes.  In particular, the flux of entropy in the system induced by the topological fields naively appears to diverge as the temperature approaches absolute zero, in violation of the 3rd law of thermodynamics.  
 
** Refreshments served from 2:45pm – 3:00pm in PAS 218.  Thank you. **