The deterministic and time-reversal symmetric dynamics of isolated quantum
systems is at odds with irreversible equilibration observed in generic
thermodynamic systems. Standard approaches at a reconciliation are based on
agent-specific restrictions on the space of observables or states and do not
explain how a single macroscopic quantum system achieves equilibrium
dynamically. We instead argue that quantum theory is an effective theory and
requires corrections to accurately describe systems approaching the
thermodynamic limit. We construct a minimal extension of quantum theory which
is practically identical to quantum mechanics for microscopic systems, yet
allows isolated, macroscopic systems to thermalize, with an objective notion of
thermalization. A fluctuation-dissipation relation guarantees physicality
constraints including norm preservation, energy conservation, no superluminal
signalling and the emergence of microcanonical equilibrium statistics. We
further discuss the inclusion of objective collapse, thereby realizing a
falsifiable theory of spontaneous universal irreversibility which describes the
quantum to classical crossover dynamics of macroscopic quantum systems. This
model admits spontaneous symmetry breaking, quantum state reduction and
objective quantum thermalization for individual systems while realizing an
emergent hybrid, Born-Maxwell-Boltzmann-Gibbs-microcanonical distribution for
ensembles.
Este artículo explora los viajes en el tiempo y sus implicaciones.
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2504.16197v1