Quantum signatures in fluctuation theorems

We discuss the role of contextuality within quantum fluctuation theorems, in the light of a recent no-go result by Perarnau-Llobet et al. We show that any fluctuation theorem reproducing the two-point-measurement scheme for classical states either admits a notion of work quasiprobability or fails to describe protocols exhibiting contextuality. Conversely, we describe a protocol that smoothly interpolates between the two-point-measurement work distribution for projective measurements and Allahverdyan's work quasiprobability for weak measurements, and show that the negativity of the latter is a direct signature of contextuality.We discuss the role of contextuality within quantum fluctuation theorems, in the light of a recent no-go result by Perarnau-Llobet et al. We show that any fluctuation theorem reproducing the two-point-measurement scheme for classical states either admits a notion of work quasiprobability or fails to describe protocols exhibiting contextuality. Conversely, we describe a protocol that smoothly interpolates between the two-point-measurement work distribution for projective measurements and Allahverdyan's work quasiprobability for weak measurements, and show that the negativity of the latter is a direct signature of contextuality.

arXiv:1705.05397Physical Review LettersJan 24, 2018113 citations

Quantum fluctuation theorem for dissipative cyclotron motion

G. S. Agarwal, Sushanta Dattagupta

We examine the fluctuation theorems which traditionally have been studied for classical systems and enquire if they can be extended to the quantum domain, especially at low temperatures. The example chosen is that of a problem which has proven to be of great interest in the context of Landau diamagnetism viz. the quantized motion of an electron in a magnetic field and in a dissipative environment. It is established from first principles that the quantum work operator W has a Gaussian distribution even though the system under consideration has a four dimensional phase space. The parameter $α$ in the fluctuation theorem $p(W )/p(-W) = exp(αW)$ depends on the system dynamics and has characteristic quantum features, especially at low temperatures. Certain unique low temperature signatures are also discussed.We examine the fluctuation theorems which traditionally have been studied for classical systems and enquire if they can be extended to the quantum domain, especially at low temperatures. The example chosen is that of a problem which has proven to be of great interest in the context of Landau diamagnetism viz. the quantized motion of an electron in a magnetic field and in a dissipative environment. It is established from first principles that the quantum work operator W has a Gaussian distribution even though the system under consideration has a four dimensional phase space. The parameter $α$ in the fluctuation theorem $p(W )/p(-W) = exp(αW)$ depends on the system dynamics and has characteristic quantum features, especially at low temperatures. Certain unique low temperature signatures are also discussed.

arXiv:1601.05642Jan 21, 20162 citations

Fluctuation Theorems for Quantum Maps

Gonzalo Manzano Paule

Springer thesesJan 1, 20180 citations

Fluctuation theorems and the generalized Gibbs ensemble in integrable systems

James M. Hickey, Sam Genway

We derive fluctuation relations for a many-body quantum system prepared in a generalized Gibbs ensemble subject to a general nonequilibrium protocol. By considering isolated integrable systems, we find generalizations to the Tasaki-Crooks and Jarzynski relations. Our approach is illustrated by studying the one-dimensional quantum Ising model subject to a sudden change in the transverse field, where we find that the statistics of the work done and irreversible entropy show signatures of quantum criticality. We discuss these fluctuation relations in the context of thermalization.We derive fluctuation relations for a many-body quantum system prepared in a generalized Gibbs ensemble subject to a general nonequilibrium protocol. By considering isolated integrable systems, we find generalizations to the Tasaki-Crooks and Jarzynski relations. Our approach is illustrated by studying the one-dimensional quantum Ising model subject to a sudden change in the transverse field, where we find that the statistics of the work done and irreversible entropy show signatures of quantum criticality. We discuss these fluctuation relations in the context of thermalization.

arXiv:1403.3542Physical Review EAug 8, 201414 citations

A microcanonical quantum fluctuation theorem

Peter Talkner A, Peter Hänggi A, Manuel Morillo

Jul 16, 20072 citations

α

in the fluctuation theorem

p(W )/p(-W) = exp(αW)

depends on the system dynamics and has characteristic quantum features, especially at low temperatures. Certain unique low temperature signatures are also discussed.