Using the wavelet transform to separate scales in the Schr\"odinger equation and subsequently derive the Boltzmann equation

Abstract:Here we continue our investigation aimed at the derivation of the Boltzmann equation from the first principles of quantum mechanics. The key difficulty that we overcome in this manuscript is the incompatibility between traditional methods employed in the derivation of classical mechanics from quantum mechanics and methods used to describe transitions between quantum states due to interaction. Here we use a novel technique that is similar to the wavelet transform method that originally appeared in the context of signal processing. With this method, we can simultaneously work with slowly varying potentials that give rise to classical-like wave-function behaviour, motion along a prescribed trajectory, and sharp potentials that lead to behaviour that is best understood in terms of quantum transitions. Working with smooth potentials in this framework, we derive the Liouville equation from the Schrödinger equation. When using this method for sharp potentials, we naturally obtain the description of system dynamics in terms of a transition-rate matrix. The transition rates between system states, which characterize the process, are determined by Fermi's golden rule. We observe that, through the Liouville equation, we can deduce the non-collision part of the Boltzmann equation, and that, through the transition-rate matrix, we can deduce the collision integral. We combine the results to derive the Boltzmann equation, the main formula of physical kinetics.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Other Condensed Matter (cond-mat.other)

arXiv:2511.21601 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2511.21601v2 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2511.21601 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

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