Simple theories of prethermalization KU Leuven
Prethermalization has emerged as an important and useful concept in modern quantum theory. It describes the situation where a system does not quickly settle down to equilibrium. Instead it settles to a long-lived, transient, temporary state that it will leave, eventually. Though somewhat inaccurate, one can compare this to a supercooled liquid that can dwell for a long time in the liquid phase, until it eventually freezes. The comparison is ...