Entropy production and nonequilibrium stationarity in quantum dynamical systems

TLDR: In statistical physics, the linear response theory is well known as the most effective method, in the linear-approximation regimes, of calculating transport coefficients which describe dissipative aspects in the macroscopic manifestations of microscopic quantum systems.

Abstract: In statistical physics, Kubo's linear response theory is well known as the most effective method, in the linear-approximation regimes, of calculating transport coefficients which describe dissipative aspects in the macroscopic manifestations of microscopic quantum systems. From the viewpoint of the mutual relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic levels, it is clear that the response theory is essentially concerned with the information-theoretical problems. For lack of such key-concepts as entropy and/or entropy production, however, this theory has long been taken in physics merely as a calculational device, without the deep understanding of the reason for its general validity.