Theory of non-equilibrium stationary states as a theory of resonances (Q2474163)

A small quantum system (simplified model of an atom or molecule) is investigated while interacting with two bosonic or fermionic reservoirs (heat bath models at different equilibrium temperatures). This situation refers to a typical situation within nonequilibrium quantum statistical mechanics where an emergence, dynamical stability and an overall characterization of nonequilibrium stationary states (NESS) is a major issue. To show stability one must address long time (ergodic) properties of the evolution operator. An associated generator may not belong to the standard classes of normal or accretive operators, hence its properties are examined by establishing a connection between ergodic properties of the evolution generator and certain spectral properties (resonances) of a complex deformation of the pertinent generator. The proof is given that the NESS arise, have nonvanishing heat fluxes and positive entropy production. They are proved to be dynamically asymptotically stable.