Temperature as a quantum observable. (17th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ghonge, Sushrut; Vural, Dervis Can
• Is Part Of: Journal of statistical mechanics. (2018:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2018-07-17
• Subjects: 2 -- 3; Statistical mechanics -- Periodicals; Mechanics -- Statistical methods -- Periodicals; 530.1305
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-5468/aacfb8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-5468

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, we address the problem of how temperature of a quantum system is observed. By proposing a thought experiment, we argue that temperature must be conceived as an operator and its measurement must necessarily accompany a collapse in the wavefunction. We model a temperature measurement device and determine the expectation value and quantum uncertainty of its readout. Lastly, we explore the consequences of this point of view and propose an experiment to verify if temperature is indeed a quantum observable.