aiqbench analysis
This research addresses a fundamental challenge in quantum thermodynamics by rigorously defining work and heat for systems under strong coupling conditions during sudden quenches. The authors demonstrate that while multiple definitions satisfy the first law of thermodynamics, only two specific formulations are consistent with the second law when environmental correlations are significant. These findings provide essential theoretical guidance for accurately modeling energy exchange in strongly coupled quantum environments, which is critical for advancing quantum heat engine designs and error correction protocols.
Work and heat exchanged during sudden quenches of strongly coupled quantum systems
arXiv:2502.19418v2 Announce Type: replace Abstract: How should one define thermodynamic quantities (internal energy, work, heat, etc.) for quantum systems coupled to their environments strongly? We examine three (classically equivalent) definitions of a quantum system's internal energy under strong-coupling conditions. Each internal-energy definition implies a definition of work and a definition of heat. Our study focuses on quenches, common processes in which the Hamiltonian changes abruptly. In these processes, the first law of thermodynamics holds for each set of definitions by construction. However, we prove that only two sets obey the second law. We illustrate our findings using a simple spin model. Our results guide studies of thermodynamic quantities in strongly coupled quantum systems.
Abstract:How should one define thermodynamic quantities (internal energy, work, heat, etc.) for quantum systems coupled to their environments strongly? We examine three (classically equivalent) definitions of a quantum system's internal energy under strong-coupling conditions. Each internal-energy definition implies a definition of work and a definition of heat. Our study focuses on quenches, common processes in which the Hamiltonian changes abruptly. In these processes, the first law of thermodynamics holds for each set of definitions by construction. However, we prove that only two sets obey the second law. We illustrate our findings using a simple spin model. Our results guide studies of thermodynamic quantities in strongly coupled quantum systems.
7.5 pages (3 figures) + appendices (6 pages)
Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech); High Energy Physics - Lattice (hep-lat); High Energy Physics - Phenomenology (hep-ph); Nuclear Theory (nucl-th)
arXiv:2502.19418 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2502.19418v2 [quant-ph] for this version)
Phys. Rev. E 114, 014133 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.1103/66j9-cwvx DOI(s) linking to related resources
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 157 words
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