Abstract
Quantum distribution functions provide a means of expressing quantum mechanical averages in a form which is very similar to that for classical averages. Also, the Bloch equation for the density matrix for a canonical ensemble is replaced by a classical equation and, turning to dynamics, the von Neumann equation describing the time development of the density matrix is replaced by a classical equation which is similar in form to the Liouville equation but contains exactly the same information as the quantum von Neumann equation.
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© 1986 Plenum Press, New York
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O’Connell, R.F. (1986). Quantum Distribution Functions in Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics. In: Moore, G.T., Scully, M.O. (eds) Frontiers of Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics. NATO ASI Series, vol 135. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2181-1_5
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