Some Applications of Quantum Thermodynamics

Carlos H. S. Vieira, Jefferson Luan Diniz de Oliveira, Jonas F. G. Santos +2 more

Quantum thermodynamics seeks to extend non-equilibrium stochastic thermodynamics to small quantum systems where non-classical features are essential to its description. Such a research area has recently provided meaningful theoretical and experimental advances by exploring the wealth and the power of quantum features along with informational aspects of a system’s thermodynamics. The relevance of such investigations is related to the fact that quantum technological devices are currently at the forefront of science and engineering applications. This short review article provides an overview of some concepts in quantum thermodynamics highlighting test-of-principles experiments using nuclear magnetic resonance techniques.

A. D. Jannussis

Halina H. Rubinsztein-Dunlop

Are concepts of heat and efficiency applicable to atom-size machines or to nanoelectronics components? Can we rebuild thermodynamics from laws of quantum mechanics?

Jurij Avsec, Milan Marčič

Nathan M. Myers, Obinna Abah, Sebastian Deffner

Thermodynamics originated in the need to understand novel technologies developed by the Industrial Revolution. However, over the centuries, the description of engines, refrigerators, thermal accelerators, and heaters has become so abstract that a direct application of the universal statements to real-life devices is everything but straight forward. The recent, rapid development of quantum thermodynamics has taken a similar trajectory, and, e.g., “quantum engines” have become a widely studied concept in theoretical research. However, if the newly unveiled laws of nature are to be useful, we need to write the dictionary that allows us to translate abstract statements of theoretical quantum thermodynamics to physical platforms and working mediums of experimentally realistic scenarios. To assist in this endeavor, this review is dedicated to provide an overview over the proposed and realized quantum thermodynamic devices and to highlight the commonalities and differences of the various physical situations.

Sebastian Deffner, Steve Campbell