Classical and quantum perspectives on temperature in accelerated frames

We study the notion of temperature in uniformly accelerated frames within a relativistic thermodynamic framework. Considering a perfect fluid at rest in a non-inertial (Rindler) frame, we derive the condition for thermal equilibrium from energy–momentum conservation. This leads to a position-dependent temperature profile consistent with the Tolman–Ehrenfest relation. We emphasize that this temperature characterizes the local thermodynamic equilibrium of the fluid in the accelerated frame and does not arise from a transformation law between different observers. The physical interpretation of the result and its relation to acceleration-induced effects are briefly discussed.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Modern Physics Letters A
Published
2026-09-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1142/s0217732326502524
Primary Topic
Quantum Electrodynamics and Casimir Effect
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Classical and quantum perspectives on temperature in accelerated frames

Babak Vakili
Modern Physics Letters A
Quantum Electrodynamics and Casimir Effect
article

Classical and quantum perspectives on temperature in accelerated frames

Babak Vakili
article en

Abstract

We study the notion of temperature in uniformly accelerated frames within a relativistic thermodynamic framework. Considering a perfect fluid at rest in a non-inertial (Rindler) frame, we derive the condition for thermal equilibrium from energy–momentum conservation. This leads to a position-dependent temperature profile consistent with the Tolman–Ehrenfest relation. We emphasize that this temperature characterizes the local thermodynamic equilibrium of the fluid in the accelerated frame and does not arise from a transformation law between different observers. The physical interpretation of the result and its relation to acceleration-induced effects are briefly discussed.

Modern Physics Letters A
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Quantum Electrodynamics and Casimir Effect
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.