New trends in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics: classical and quantum systems

Abstract

The main aim of this special issue is to report recent advances and new trends in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics of classical and quantum systems, from both theoretical and experimental points of view, within an interdisciplinary context. In particular, the nonlinear relaxation processes in the dynamics of out-of-equilibrium systems and the role of the metastability and environmental noise will be overviewed. Three main areas of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics will be covered: slow relaxation phenomena and dissipative dynamics; long-range interactions and classical systems; quantum systems. New trends such as quantum thermodynamics and novel types of quantum phase transitions occurring in nonequilibrium steady states and topological phase transitions will be also highlighted.