Time, Structure, and Fluctuations

TLDR

The paper discusses fundamental conceptual problems arising from macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the second law of thermodynamics, including a brief review of the University of Brussels group's work in these areas. The study outlines a thermodynamic theory for dissipative structures. The authors provide a microscopic definition of irreversible processes and develop a transformation theory that introduces nonunitary equations of motion showing irreversibility and convergence to equilibrium. The work demonstrates that nonequilibrium can generate order, leading to dissipative structures, and suggests that thermodynamic concepts will increasingly influence theoretical chemistry and physics.

Abstract

Fundamental conceptual problems that arise from the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the second law of thermodynamics are considered. It is shown that nonequilibrium may become a source of order and that irreversible processes may lead to a new type of dynamic states of matter called "dissipative structures." The thermodynamic theory of such structures is outlined. A microscopic definition of irreversible processes is given, and a transformation theory is developed that allows one to introduce nonunitary equations of motion that explicitly display irreversibility and approach to thermodynamic equilibrium. The work of the group at the University of Brussels in these fields is briefly reviewed. In this new development of theoretical chemistry and physics, it is likely that thermodynamic concepts will play an ever-increasing role.