The world of quantum physics is known for its complexity and chaotic behavior. However, recent research led by Professor Monika Aidelsburger and Professor Immanuel Bloch from the LMU Faculty of Physics suggests that quantum many-body systems can be described macroscopically through simple diffusion equations with random noise. This poses an interesting question: can chaotic quantum systems be simplified using the principles of fluctuating hydrodynamics (FHD)?
The concept of fluctuating hydrodynamics (FHD) stems from the idea that small particles in a system exhibit random movements, known as Brownian motion, due to collisions with other particles. These erratic movements can be described as white noise, leading to a simplified macroscopic description through FHD. This theory suggests that the behavior of a complex system can be determined by a single quantity, such as the diffusion constant, without delving into the microscopic interactions of individual particles.
While chaotic classical systems may be described using FHD, the case for chaotic quantum systems is not as clear. Quantum particles exhibit phenomena like “uncertainty” and “entanglement,” making their interactions fundamentally different from classical particles. However, the complexity of quantum systems could potentially benefit from an FHD description. The research team investigated the behavior of chaotic many-body quantum systems by studying ultracold cesium atoms in optical lattices in non-equilibrium initial states.
By observing the dynamics of the quantum system and measuring the fluctuations and density correlations of the particles over time, the researchers found that FHD could qualitatively and quantitatively describe the system. This suggests that despite their microscopic complexity, chaotic quantum systems can be simplified as macroscopic diffusion processes akin to Brownian motion.
The findings of this study provide important insights into the potential applicability of fluctuating hydrodynamics in describing chaotic quantum systems. By simplifying the description of these complex systems, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and potentially uncover new principles governing quantum interactions. The application of FHD in quantum physics opens up new possibilities for studying and predicting the behavior of quantum systems in a more simplistic manner.
The study by Professor Monika Aidelsburger and Professor Immanuel Bloch sheds light on the possibility of describing chaotic quantum systems through fluctuating hydrodynamics. While the laws of physics governing quantum interactions may be fundamentally different from classical systems, the principles of FHD offer a promising avenue for simplifying the macroscopic description of quantum systems. Further research in this area could lead to breakthroughs in our understanding of quantum mechanics and the potential applications of FHD in studying complex quantum phenomena.