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arXiv · gr-qc/9302031

Quantum Statistical Processes in the Early Universe

B. L. Hu
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Abstract

We show how the concept of quantum open system and the methods in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics can be usefully applied to studies of quantum statistical processes in the early universe. We first sketch how noise, fluctuation, dissipation and decoherence processes arise in a wide range of cosmological problems. We then focus on the origin and nature of noise in quantum fields and spacetime dynamics. We introduce the concept of geometrodynamic noise and suggest a statistical mechanical definition of gravitational entropy. We end with a brief discussion of the theoretical appropriateness to view the physical universe as an open system.

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B. L. Hu. 1993-02-22. Quantum Statistical Processes in the Early Universe. https://doi.org/10.1016/0083-6656(93)90066-s

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