Sub-quantum thermodynamics as a basis of emergent quantum mechanics

Abstract

This review presents results obtained from our group's approach to model quantum mechanics with the aid of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. As has been shown, the exact Schrödinger equation can be derived by assuming that a particle of energy hω is actually a dissipative system maintained in a nonequilibrium steady state by a constant throughput of energy (heat flow). Here, also other typical quantum mechanical features are discussed and shown to be completely understandable within our approach, i.e., on the basis of the assumed sub-quantum thermodynamics. In particular, Planck's relation for the energy of a particle, the Heisenberg uncertainty relations, the quantum mechanical superposition principle and Born's rule, or the "dispersion of the Gaussian wave packet", a.o., are all explained on the basis of purely classical physics. © 2010 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.