Introduction to Quantum Thermodynamics: History and Prospects

By Robert Alicki, Ronnie Kosloff. 2018

149 citations recorded by the source corpus.

Quantum Thermodynamics is a continuous dialogue between two independent theories: Thermodynamics and Quantum Mechanics. Whenever the two theories have addressed the same phenomena new insight has emerged. We follow the dialogue from equilibrium Quantum Thermodynamics and the notion of entropy and entropy inequalities which are the base of the II-law. Dynamical considerations lead to non-equilibrium thermodynamics of quantum Open Systems. The central part played by completely positive maps is discussed leading to the Gorini–Kossakowski–Lindblad–Sudarshan “GKLS” equation. We address the connection to thermodynamics through the system-bath weak-coupling-limit WCL leading to dynamical versions of the I-law. The dialogue has developed through the analysis of quantum engines and refrigerators. Reciprocating and continuous engines are discussed. The autonomous quantum absorption refrigerator is employed to illustrate the III-law. Finally, we describe some open questions and perspectives.

Subfields: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics, Civil and Structural Engineering, Statistical and Nonlinear Physics

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/3438af6bf857df9988523108f11a66a0942503e7

How researchers see this paper

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In Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

1. Patrice A. Camati
2. Jonas F. G. Santos
3. R. Serra

In Statistical and Nonlinear Physics

1. Patrice A. Camati
2. Jonas F. G. Santos
3. R. Serra

Citations in the corpus

• Coherence effects in the performance of the quantum Otto heat engine (2018, background): “The focus on the description and control of small quantum systems greatly spurred the thermodynamics of quantum heat engines and refrigerators [5, 6].”