IQIM Postdoctoral and Graduate Student Seminar

Abstract: We will discuss thermalization in quantum systems (and constraints implied by the Eigenstate Thermalization Hypothesis). We will then derive bounds on general spatial and temporal gradients in thermal many body systems and illustrate that thermalization times cannot, typically, be shorter than Planck's constant divided by the temperature; a more general (and accurate) relation involving the heat capacities will be explained. This relation will allow us to derive bounds on speeds, accelerations, Lyapunov exponents, and transport coefficients in general many-body systems. These bounds will be compared with experimentally measured viscosities and diffusion constants in common systems such as water and various metallic fluids where they appear to be nearly saturated. The inequalities that we obtain further suggest the prospect of long range correlations in driven systems as will indeed be demonstrated in simple soluble models.

Following the talk, lunch will be provided on the lawn outside East Bridge.