Full Quantum Work Statistics for Non-Homogeneous Many-Body Systems
Abstract
The nonequilibrium thermodynamics of interacting quantum many-body systems is investigated within the framework of thermal time-dependent density functional theory using a generalized linear-response formulation for the full quantum work statistics. A first-principles route is established to reconstruct the relaxation function that underlies linear-response theory, thereby moving beyond phenomenological descriptions and enabling a consistent evaluation of all moments of the dissipated-work distribution in interacting systems. The predictive power of the approach is demonstrated for the Hubbard model subject to a staggered external potential, where the evolution of the relaxation dynamics across the Mott-to-band-insulator crossover reveals how distinct many-body phases shape the out-of-equilibrium thermodynamic response. These results provide a microscopic and transferable framework for quantum thermodynamics in correlated systems, bridging thermal density functional theory and nonequilibrium work statistics.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2512.18338,
title = {Full Quantum Work Statistics for Non-Homogeneous Many-Body Systems},
author = {Antonio Palamara and Francesco Plastina and Antonello Sindona and Irene D'Amico},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.18338},
year = {2025}
}