Scope and Topics
FQMT'11 is a follow-up to the two previous, successful Prague conferences "Frontiers of Quantum and Mesoscopic Thermodynamics 2004" (FQMT'04), and "Frontiers of Quantum and Mesoscopic Thermodynamics 2008" (FQMT'08). For history of these conferences see FQMT history; for the details of their programs see their www pages: FQMT'04 and FQMT'08. The contributions from the conferences were published in Physica E, vol. 29 (1-2), 2005 & Physica E, vol. 42 (3), 2010, respectively.
Topics
- Foundations of quantum physics
- Non-equilibrium quantum statistical physics
- Quantum thermodynamics
- Quantum measurement, entanglement and coherence
- Dissipation, dephasing, noise and decoherence
- Quantum optics
- Macroscopic quantum behavior, e.g. cold atoms, Bose-Einstein condensates
- Physics of quantum computing and quantum information
- Mesoscopic, nano-electromechanical and nano-optical systems
- Spin systems and their dynamics
- Biological systems, molecular motors
- Cosmology, gravitation and astrophysics
Scope of the Conference
The conference will address the foundations of quantum physics and non-equilibrium quantum statistical physics. The systems considered will be mainly on the order of mesoscopic (nanoscale) size, and include those of both natural and artificial origin. The main goal of the conference is to contribute to the uncovering of possible phenomenological ("quantum thermodynamic") laws governing the behavior of mesoscopic systems, and to provide better understanding and insight into the recent problems of the foundations, relying on the theoretical and experimental methods of condensed matter physics and quantum optics. Special attention will be given to the dynamics of mesoscopic open systems and their relevance to problems of measurement of non-equilibrium quantum systems, thermal and quantum fluctuations, dissipation, noise, physics of quantum information and biological systems, in terms of both theory and experiment. Additional subjects will include biophysics, gravitation and cosmology.
Many aspects of the FQMT topics have been covered by a number of recent, more specialized, conferences and workshops which the organizers of the FQMT conferences have taken an essential part in, namely Hot topics in Quantum Statistical Physics: q-thermodynamics, q-decoherence and q-motors, Leiden 2003; Non-equilibrium Green's Functions I-IV conferences, Rostock 1999, Dresden 2002, Kiel 2005, and Glasgow 2009; Conferences on the Second Law of Thermodynamics and Quantum Physics, San Diego 2002, and 2006; Beyond the Quantum, Leiden 2006; and the Växjö meetings on Quantum Theory: Reconsideration of Foundations, Växjö 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009.
Multidisciplinary Character of the Conference
The aim of FQMT'11 is to create a bridge between the fields of modern condensed matter physics, quantum optics and statistical physics and the quickly developing field of foundations of quantum physics. The conference will bring together a unique combination of young and experienced scientists across a disciplinary spectrum ranging from foundations of quantum physics to emerging statistical physics approaches to the study of non-equilibrium quantum systems. As in FQMT'04 and FQMT'08 the interdisciplinary character of the conference will be supported by choice of key speakers who, apart from their specializations, are not only able to report specific results within their fields, but are also able to discuss the state of the art of their fields from the standpoint of broader perspective of overlap with other fields. It is intended that this arrangement of the scientific program of the conference will significantly contribute to the formulation of challenging questions and problems, as well as their related answers that are nowadays essential to improve the understanding of the foundations of quantum physics, quantum statistical physics of finite systems far from equilibrium and the physics of nanoscale systems, and further, will motivate new collaboration and intensive discussions between experts from differing fields (i.e., physics, chemistry, biology and cosmology).
Multidisciplinary character of the event goes even beyond the scientific program. Following the tradition of the previous FQMT conferences, an important part of the FQMT'11 program will be created by concerts of classical and jazz music.
Musical and Social Programs
In keeping with the multidisciplinary character of the scientific program, the cultural richness of the city of Prague and the tradition of the previous FQMT conferences, the FQMT'11 program will feature concerts of classical and jazz music performed by world-class musicians, held at outstanding venues of the city. Both the scientific program and the musical program are intended as a complement to one another, where scientists and musicians are encouraged to mingle and share their knowledge and experience.
An encompassing social program is planned which will include tours and a number of very special events unavailable to the general tourist.
More details as for the scope and scientific program background you can find in the scientific background and the first announcement as the PDF file.