Non-equilibrium thermodynamics and conformal field theory

Local Quantum Physics and beyond - In memoriam Rudolf Haag
Roberto Longo on September 26, 2016
Slides_Longo.pdf

We present a model independent, operator algebraic approach to non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics within the framework of two-dimensional Conformal Field Theory. Two innite reservoirs in equilibrium at their own temperatures and chemical potentials are put in contact through a defect line, possibly by inserting a probe. As time evolves, the composite system then approaches a non-equilibrium steady state that we describe. In particular, we re-obtain recent formulas of Bernard and Doyon. (Joint work with S. Hollands).