Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy

Matteo Lostaglio; David Jennings; Terry Rudolph

doi:10.1038/ncomms7383

journal article Open Access Mar 10, 2015

Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy

Matteo Lostaglio David Jennings Terry Rudolph

Nature Communications Vol. 6 No. 1 · Springer Science and Business Media LLC

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Abstract

AbstractRecent studies have developed fundamental limitations on nanoscale thermodynamics, in terms of a set of independent free energy relations. Here we show that free energy relations cannot properly describe quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes. By casting time-asymmetry as a quantifiable, fundamental resource of a quantum state, we arrive at an additional, independent set of thermodynamic constraints that naturally extend the existing ones. These asymmetry relations reveal that the traditional Szilárd engine argument does not extend automatically to quantum coherences, but instead only relational coherences in a multipartite scenario can contribute to thermodynamic work. We find that coherence transformations are always irreversible. Our results also reveal additional structural parallels between thermodynamics and the theory of entanglement.

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Published: Mar 10, 2015
Vol/Issue: 6(1)
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Matteo Lostaglio, David Jennings, Terry Rudolph (2015). Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy. Nature Communications, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms7383

Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy

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