Thermodynamics and Fluctuation Theorems for a Strongly Coupled Open Quantum System: An Exactly Solvable Case
Abstract
We illustrate recent results concerning the validity of the work fluctuation theorem in open quantum systems [M. Campisi, P. Talkner, and P. H\"{a}nggi, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 102}, 210401 (2009)], by applying them to a solvable model of an open quantum system. The central role played by the thermodynamic partition function of the open quantum system, -- a two level fluctuator with a strong quantum nondemolition coupling to a harmonic oscillator --, is elucidated. The corresponding quantum Hamiltonian of mean force is evaluated explicitly. We study the thermodynamic entropy and the corresponding specific heat of this open system as a function of temperature and coupling strength and show that both may assume negative values at nonzero low temperatures.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.0907.1590,
title = {Thermodynamics and Fluctuation Theorems for a Strongly Coupled Open Quantum System: An Exactly Solvable Case},
author = {Michele Campisi and Peter Talkner and Peter Hänggi},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0907.1590},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
8 pages, 6 figures