The Quantum Mpemba Paradox: Why Hotter Cools Faster ⚡ экспресс
The quantum Mpemba effect: in closed chaotic systems, a subsystem equilibrates faster when starting further from equilibrium. The reason is Ruelle–Pollicott resonances (decay modes). Suppressing overlap with the slowest mode speeds up relaxation. Complete breaking of translational symmetry gives an extremely strong effect. Simulations on a kicked Ising chain with initial states from number theory confirm the model. Connection with open systems points the way to experiments.
Hot tea normally takes longer to cool than warm tea, but water sometimes breaks this rule: back in the 1960s, schoolboy Erasto Mpemba noticed that hot ice cream freezes faster than cold. This paradox has moved into the quantum world: a collection of particles can settle down faster if it was initially more excited. The quantum Mpemba effect is like an orchestra tuning up faster after a loud symphony.
The effect is amplified by breaking time symmetry — making it so the past cannot be reconstructed. In experiments on particle chains inspired by number theory, equilibrium was reached almost instantaneously. This paves the way for faster quantum computers, where unwanted 'memories' are erased without delay.
🎯 To test the effect, scientists used states inspired by number theory — and equilibrium was reached tens of times faster.