Unification of the first law of quantum thermodynamics

Abstract

Underlying the classical thermodynamic principles are analogous microscopic laws, arising from the fundamental axioms of quantum mechanics. These define quantum thermodynamic variables such as quantum work and heat and characterize the possible transformations of open quantum systems. The foremost quantum thermodynamic law is a simple statement concerning the conservation of energy. Nevertheless, there exist ambiguity and disagreement regarding the precise partition of a quantum system's energy change to work and heat. By treating quantum mechanics as a comprehensive theory, applicable to both the micro and macroscopic domains, and employing dynamical symmetries, we bridge the gaps between five popular thermodynamic approaches to the first law. These include both autonomous and semi-classical formulations, which define work in terms of an ensemble average, as well as the single shot paradigm, where work is defined as a deterministic quantity.

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Cited by in corpus (12)

• Exploring quantum thermodynamics with NMR
• Exact finite-time correlation functions for multi-terminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
• Classical and quantum thermodynamics in a non-equilibrium regime: Application to Stirling engine
• Quantum work: Reconciling quantum mechanics and thermodynamics
• Work, Heat and Internal Energy in Open Quantum Systems: A Comparison of Four Approaches from the Autonomous System Framework
• Classical and quantum thermodynamics described as a system-bath model: The dimensionless minimum work principle
• Innovative Designs and Insights into Quantum Thermal Machines
• Energy additivity as a requirement for universal quantum thermodynamical frameworks
• Thermodynamics of autonomous optical Bloch equations
• Measuring work in quantum many-body systems using a dynamical "work agent"
• Work and heat exchanged during sudden quenches of strongly coupled quantum systems
• The concept of minimal dissipation and the identification of work in autonomous systems: A view from classical statistical physics