Non-equilibrium thermodynamics and dynamics of quantum systems
File(s)
Author(s)
Dorner, Ross
Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis is a study of non-equilibrium phenomena in quantum systems. Emphasis is given to the recently derived non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems, which relate the non-equilibrium response of a system to its equilibrium thermodynamic properties. We investigate the validity and importance of these theorems, from both a theoretical and experimental perspective, in systems ranging from a single atom to an ensemble of interacting particles. We also investigate the potential role of quantum dynamics in biological processes.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2013-11
Date Awarded
2014-02
Copyright Statement
Attribution NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-ND)
Advisor
Vedral, Vlatko
Lee, Derek
Kim, Myungshik
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)