Covariant approach to equilibration in effective field theories

Abstract

The equilibration of two coupled reservoirs is studied using a Green function approach that is suitable for future development with the closed time path method. The problem is solved in two parameterizations, to demonstrate the nontrivial issues of parameterization in both the intermediate steps and the interpretation of physical quantities. We use a covariant approach to find self-consistent solutions for the statistical distributions as functions of time. We show that by formally introducing covariant connections, one can rescale a slowly varying nonequilibrium theory so that it appears to be an equilibrium one, for the purposes of calculation. We emphasize the importance of properly tracking variable redefinitions to correctly interpret physical quantities. PACS Nos.: 11.10-z, 03.70+k, 05.70ln