Quantum relaxation in a system of harmonic oscillators with time-dependent coupling

In the context of the de Broglie-Bohm pilot-wave theory, numerical simulations for simple systems have shown that states that are initially out of quantum equilibrium-thus violating the Born rule-usually relax over time to the expected |psi|(2) distribution on a coarse-grained level. We analyse the relaxation of non-equilibrium initial distributions for a system of coupled one-dimensional harmonic oscillators in which the coupling depends explicitly on time through numerical simulations, focusing on the influence of different parameters such as the number of modes, the coarse-graining length and the coupling constant. We show that in general the system studied here tends to equilibrium, but the relaxation can be retarded depending on the values of the parameters, particularly to the one related to the strength of the interaction. Possible implications on the detection of relic non-equilibrium systems are discussed.

Automated summary

Numerical simulations in the context of the de Broglie-Bohm pilot-wave theory show that initial states out of quantum equilibrium usually relax over time to the expected distribution, but the relaxation can be influenced by parameters such as coupling strength. The system tends towards equilibrium, but the speed of relaxation depends on various factors, particularly the interaction strength.