Stochastically-Induced Quantum-to-Classical Transition: The Lindemann Relation, Maximum Density at the He Lambda Point and Water-Ice Transition
Advances and Trends in Physical Science Research Vol. 2,
Page 46-63
Abstract
In the present paper, by using the quantum stochastic hydrodynamic analogy (SQHA), the transition between gas, liquid and solid phases, made of structureless particles, have been analyzed. The interest for the quantum hydrodynamic analogy (QHA) has been recently growing by its strict relation with the Schrödinger mechanics. The SQHA shows that the quantum behaviour is maintained on a distance shorter than the theory-defined quantum correlation length (lc). When the physical length of the problem is larger than lc, the model shows that the quantum (potential) interactions may have a finite range of interaction maintaining the non-local behaviour on a finite distance “quantum non-locality length” lq (with lq >lc ). The present work shows the realization of “classical” phases (gas and van der Waals liquids), when the mean molecular distance is larger than the quantum non-locality length lq. On the other hand, when the mean molecular distance becomes smaller than lq or than lc phases transitions such as to solid crystal or to superfluid appear, respectively. The model shows that the quantum character of the matter emerges as a consequence of the random noise suppression generated by the quantum potential below the induced noise correlation length. The model explains the Lindemann empirical law about the mean square deviation of atoms from the equilibrium position at melting point of crystal, and shows a connection between the maximum density at the He lambda point and that one at the water-ice solidification point. The SQHA shows that both the linearity of the particle interaction and the reduction of amplitude of stochastic fluctuations elicited the emergence of quantum behavior. The SQHA model also shows that the nonlinear behavior of physical forces, other than to play an important role in the establishing of thermodynamic equilibrium, is a necessary condition to pass from the quantum to the classical phases and that fluctuation alone are not sufficient.
Keywords:
- Quantum hydrodynamic analogy
- quantum to classical transition
- quantum decoherence
- open quantum systems
- lambda point
- maximum density at phase transitions
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