Quantum measurement of work in mesoscopic systems

Abstract:Heat and work in thermodynamics refer to the measurement of changes in energy content of external bodies (baths and agents). We discuss the implications of quantum mechanics on the possibility to measure work in a mesoscopic context. The agent is a quantum entity (say an oscillator) that is used to drive the system. An obvious limitation is related to back-reaction, leading to a classical-like restriction. We find that in order to resolve fingerprints of interference an additional quantum uncertainty limitation should be taken into account in the design of the agent. The quantum limitation is fundamental, and cannot be relaxed by super-resolution techniques.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics (cond-mat.mes-hall)

arXiv:2507.09977 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2507.09977v2 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2507.09977 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

New J. Phys. 28, 084512 (2026)

https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/ae97e7 Focus to learn more DOI(s) linking to related resources

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