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Quantum Coherence Thermodynamics

Jincheng Zhang

Published Sep 5, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel framework for understanding and manipulating quantum coherence within thermodynamic systems. The core concept revolves around establishing a quantitative link between quantum coherence and thermodynamics, utilizing thermodynamic principles to guide the design and control of quantum systems. A new "quantum coherence thermodynamic potential" is defined, providing a framework to describe the evolution of coherence in quantum systems exposed to thermal environments. This potential allows for system optimization by considering the interplay between coherence preservation and thermal dissipation. The proposed approach offers a fundamentally new perspective on quantum system design, moving beyond purely phenomenological descriptions towards a thermodynamically grounded understanding. This work lays the groundwork for precise coherence control and offers a potential route toward harnessing quantum coherence for practical applications. The central equation describing the evolution of quantum coherence is presented as: ΔS = -Q / T where ΔS represents the change in quantum coherence, Q is the heat exchanged, and T is the absolute temperature. This equation highlights the fundamental relationship between coherence preservation and the thermal environment. Further derivations and expansions of this core equation are provided throughout the paper. ---

DOI
10.5281/zenodo.22338436

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This paper proposes a novel framework for understanding and manipulating quantum coherence within thermodynamic systems. The core concept revolves around establishing a quantitative link between quantum coherence and thermodynamics, utilizing thermodynamic principles to guide the design and control of quantum systems. A new "quantum coherence thermodynamic potential" is defined, providing a framework to describe the evolution of coherence in quantum systems exposed to thermal environments. This potential allows for system optimization by considering the interplay between coherence preservation and thermal dissipation. The proposed approach offers a fundamentally new perspective on quantum system design, moving beyond purely phenomenological descriptions towards a thermodynamically grounded understanding. This work lays the groundwork for precise coherence control and offers a potential route toward harnessing quantum coherence for practical applications. The central equation describing the evolution of quantum coherence is presented as: ΔS = -Q / T where ΔS represents the change in quantum coherence, Q is the heat exchanged, and T is the absolute temperature. This equation highlights the fundamental relationship between coherence preservation and the thermal environment. Further derivations and expansions of this core equation are provided throughout the paper. ---
A central open question in quantum thermodynamics is the identification of thermodynamic entropy away from equilibrium. Although thermodynamic entropy coincides with the von Neumann entropy for a Gibbs state at equilibrium, the thermodynamic role of quantum coherence generated during nonequilibrium evolution remains unclear. Here, we show that von Neumann entropy does not, in general, represent the thermodynamic entropy governing heat exchange in coherent nonequilibrium quantum systems. By integrating the resource theory of quantum coherence with thermodynamic principles, we develop a general framework for nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics. We identify thermodynamic entropy with the energy entropy derived from energy-measurement statistics and introduce a dynamical temperature extending the equilibrium concept to nonequilibrium states. Consequently, we obtain an exact entropy-balance relation separating the entropy flux associated with heat exchange from the coherence-loss contribution to entropy production, establishing an operational connection between quantum coherence, heat flow, and total entropy change. Unlike approaches relying on equilibrium reference states or stationary Gibbs ensembles, our framework uses instantaneous dynamical quantities and remains valid throughout transient nonequilibrium evolution. It provides consistent dynamical definitions of temperature, work, heat, and free energy. Applying the formalism to an exactly solvable open quantum system, we show that the first and second laws hold throughout transient evolution and that equilibrium thermodynamics emerges dynamically in the weak-coupling long-time limit. Our results establish a unified framework for coherent nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics and suggest opportunities for controlling heat dissipation through coherence engineering in quantum thermal technologies.
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This paper explores the emerging intersection of quantum thermodynamics and quantum information processing. The core argument presented is that quantum information processing fundamentally relies on the thermodynamic properties of quantum systems and can be significantly advanced by leveraging the principles of quantum thermodynamics. This work establishes a framework for analyzing and designing quantum information protocols through the lens of thermodynamic constraints and efficiencies. We introduce a novel perspective where quantum information tasks are viewed as thermodynamic processes, allowing for a more rigorous understanding of their limitations and potential optimizations. The methodology presented aims to bridge the gap between information theory and thermodynamics, ultimately leading to the development of more robust and efficient quantum information systems. Key concepts explored include quantum work, heat dissipation, entropy production, and their implications for quantum data storage, quantum computation, and quantum communication. This research contributes to a fundamental shift in how we approach quantum information processing, moving beyond purely computational considerations to incorporate the underlying thermodynamic realities of quantum systems.
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Quantum systems exhibit unique behavior, often defying classical expectations. Their dynamics are profoundly shaped by the interplay of quantum and thermal fluctuations, making precise predictions challenging. This paper explores the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of quantum systems, focusing on the development of a novel framework to address this challenge. We propose a 'quantum-thermal coupling' algorithm, designed to capture the complex dynamics of these systems, offering a paradigm shift in our understanding of quantum phenomena in a dynamically changing environment. The core claim is to provide a robust and adaptable approach for modeling and predicting the behavior of quantum systems in non-equilibrium conditions, considering the intricate interplay of quantum and thermal effects. This work builds upon existing research in quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, addressing limitations in current models and establishing a foundational step towards a more complete understanding of these systems.
Quantum computing promises exponential speedups for specific computational tasks compared to classical computing. However, the inherent fragility of quantum states—their susceptibility to decoherence—poses a significant challenge to realizing this potential. This work investigates the crucial role of non-equilibrium thermodynamics in governing the dynamics of quantum computation. It argues that the efficiency of quantum algorithms is fundamentally linked to the non-equilibrium interactions between the quantum system (qubits) and its environment. A novel thermodynamic framework is proposed, moving beyond the traditional assumptions of equilibrium. This framework utilizes concepts from non-equilibrium statistical mechanics to model energy transfer and information flow between qubits and the surrounding environment, offering a pathway to understand and potentially mitigate decoherence. Specifically, we introduce a quantum computing heat engine model, formulated using non-equilibrium statistical ensembles, to quantify the impact of environmental fluctuations on qubit coherence. The core claim is that a new thermodynamic understanding is required for optimal quantum algorithm design and control. Key mathematical concepts include the Boltzmann entropy, the Landau free energy, and the quantum master equation. The analysis highlights the need for sophisticated control strategies that actively manage environmental fluctuations rather than passively attempting to isolate the quantum system.