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Work extraction and thermodynamics for individual quantum systems

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Skrzypczyk

    (ICFO-Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Mediterranean Technology Park)

  • Anthony J. Short

    (H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue)

  • Sandu Popescu

    (H. H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue)

Abstract

Thermodynamics is traditionally concerned with systems comprised of a large number of particles. Here we present a framework for extending thermodynamics to individual quantum systems, including explicitly a thermal bath and work-storage device (essentially a ‘weight’ that can be raised or lowered). We prove that the second law of thermodynamics holds in our framework, and gives a simple protocol to extract the optimal amount of work from the system, equal to its change in free energy. Our results apply to any quantum system in an arbitrary initial state, in particular including non-equilibrium situations. The optimal protocol is essentially reversible, similar to classical Carnot cycles, and indeed, we show that it can be used to construct a quantum Carnot engine.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Skrzypczyk & Anthony J. Short & Sandu Popescu, 2014. "Work extraction and thermodynamics for individual quantum systems," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms5185
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5185
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    Cited by:

    1. Giulio Chiribella & Fei Meng & Renato Renner & Man-Hong Yung, 2022. "The nonequilibrium cost of accurate information processing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Uttam Singh & Arun Kumar Pati & Manabendra Nath Bera, 2016. "Uncertainty Relations for Quantum Coherence," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-12, July.

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