Hidden Variables, Statistical Mechanics and the Early Universe

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dc.creatorValentini, Antony
dc.date2001-04-13
dc.date.accessioned2026-07-07T06:01:55Z
dc.date.available2026-07-07T06:01:55Z
dc.descriptionIt is argued that our universe happens to be in a state of statistical equilibrium at the hidden-variable level, such that nonlocality is masked by quantum noise. To account for this 'quantum equilibrium', we outline a subquantum statistical mechanics in configuration space, and an H-theorem analogous to the classical coarse-graining H-theorem. Foundational issues in statistical mechanics are addressed, and an alternative explanation based on 'typicality' is criticised. An estimate is given for the relaxation timescale, and an illustrative numerical simulation is provided. Assuming the universe began in quantum non-equilibrium, we sketch a scenario in which relaxation is suppressed at very early times by the rapid expansion of space, raising the possibility that deviations from quantum theory could survive to the present day for relic cosmological particles that decoupled sufficiently early. It is concluded that quantum noise is a remnant of the big bang and, like the microwave background, should be probed experimentally. Possible tests with relic particles are briefly discussed.
dc.description14 pages; 3 figures; to appear in 'Chance in Physics', eds. J. Bricmont et al. (Springer 2001)
dc.identifierhttps://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0104067
dc.identifierhttp://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0104067
dc.identifier'Chance in Physics: Foundations and Perspectives', eds. J. Bricmont et al. (Springer, 2001), pp. 165-181.
dc.identifier.urihttp://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/89433
dc.subjectQuantum Physics
dc.subjectAstrophysics
dc.subjectGeneral Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
dc.subjectHigh Energy Physics - Theory
dc.titleHidden Variables, Statistical Mechanics and the Early Universe
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