English

Quantum thermodynamics with multiple conserved quantities

Quantum Physics 2019-05-01 v1

Abstract

In this chapter we address the topic of quantum thermodynamics in the presence of additional observables beyond the energy of the system. In particular we discuss the special role that the generalized Gibbs ensemble plays in this theory, and derive this state from the perspectives of a micro-canonical ensemble, dynamical typicality and a resource-theory formulation. A notable obstacle occurs when some of the observables do not commute, and so it is impossible for the observables to simultaneously take on sharp microscopic values. We show how this can be circumvented, discuss information-theoretic aspects of the setting, and explain how thermodynamic costs can be traded between the different observables. Finally, we discuss open problems and future directions for the topic.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1806.08325,
  title  = {Quantum thermodynamics with multiple conserved quantities},
  author = {Erick Hinds Mingo and Yelena Guryanova and Philippe Faist and David Jennings},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1806.08325},
  year   = {2019}
}

Comments

18 pages, 3 figures; Chapter for the book "Thermodynamics in the Quantum Regime - Recent Progress and Outlook", eds. F. Binder, L. A. Correa, C. Gogolin, J. Anders and G. Adesso