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This paper proposes a stochastic extension of quantum mechanics to resolve the conflict between time-reversal symmetry and observed thermodynamic irreversibility, offering a falsifiable framework for objective thermalization in macroscopic isolated systems. By integrating objective collapse with fluctuation-dissipation relations, the model preserves fundamental physical constraints like energy conservation while describing the quantum-to-classical crossover without relying on subjective state restrictions. The work provides a rigorous theoretical pathway to understanding spontaneous symmetry breaking and emergent hybrid statistics in the thermodynamic limit.
Spontaneous irreversibility and objective thermalization in stochastic modifications of quantum theory
arXiv:2504.16197v4 Announce Type: replace Abstract: 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 employ subjective 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 stochastic extension of quantum theory which is practically identical to quantum mechanics for microscopic systems, yet allows individual macroscopic and isolated systems to objectively thermalize, generically. A fluctuation-dissipation relation guarantees physical consistency including norm preservation, energy conservation, no superluminal signalling and the emergence of microcanonical equilibrium. 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. The dynamics of the model describe spontaneous symmetry breaking, quantum state reduction and objective quantum thermalization for individual systems, while realizing emergent hybrid statistics for ensembles that integrate Born's rule and microcanonical equilibrium.
Abstract: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 employ subjective 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 stochastic extension of quantum theory which is practically identical to quantum mechanics for microscopic systems, yet allows individual macroscopic and isolated systems to objectively thermalize, generically. A fluctuation-dissipation relation guarantees physical consistency including norm preservation, energy conservation, no superluminal signalling and the emergence of microcanonical equilibrium. 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. The dynamics of the model describe spontaneous symmetry breaking, quantum state reduction and objective quantum thermalization for individual systems, while realizing emergent hybrid statistics for ensembles that integrate Born's rule and microcanonical equilibrium.
Published version, 1 figure, 22 pages, including appendix. Early version presented at Quantum Information and Probability-2024 conference, Växjö, Sweden
Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Quantum Gases (cond-mat.quant-gas); Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech)
arXiv:2504.16197 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2504.16197v4 [quant-ph] for this version)
J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 59 225302 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1088/1751-8121/ae6d58 DOI(s) linking to related resources
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 229 words
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