Microscopic theory of Mpemba effects and a no-Mpemba theorem for monotone many-body systems

Abstract

Mpemba effects (MPEs), where a hotter system cools faster than a colder one, present intriguing anomalies in relaxation processes. Despite their universal observation and significant fundamental and practical implications, a comprehensive theoretical understanding based on microscopic properties remains elusive. In this Letter, we introduce two universal frameworks for classical systems to address this gap. Firstly, we reveal that MPEs, traditionally defined by macroscopic temperature comparisons, can be understood through microstate comparisons. This insight offers a straightforward and universal microscopic perspective on MPEs, relevant for experiments and numerical simulations to identify their microscopic origins. Secondly, we establish a "no-Mpemba theorem," a rigorous sufficient condition for the absence of MPEs, thereby identifying specific classes of systems devoid of these effects. Our findings are exemplified using ferromagnetic Ising models and one-dimensional multiparticle systems, demonstrating the practical applicability of our theoretical advancements.