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The Generalized Second Law of Thermodynamics in Cosmology

Ram Brustein
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Abstract

A classical and quantum mechanical generalized second law of thermodynamics in cosmology implies constraints on the effective equation of state of the universe in the form of energy conditions, obeyed by many known cosmological solutions, and is compatible with entropy bounds which forbid certain cosmological singularities. In string cosmology the second law provides new information about the existence of non-singular solutions, and the nature of the graceful exit transition from dilaton-driven inflation.

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Ram Brustein. 2000-03-06. The Generalized Second Law of Thermodynamics in Cosmology. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.84.2072

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