Thermodynamics of quantum informational systems - Hamiltonian description
Abstract
It is often claimed, that from a quantum system of d levels, and entropy S and heat bath of temperature T one can draw kT(ln d -S) amount of work. However, the usual arguments based on Szilard engine are not fully rigorous. Here we prove the formula within Hamiltonian description of drawing work from a quantum system and a heat bath, at a cost of entropy of the system. We base on the derivation of thermodynamical laws and quantities in [R. Alicki, J. Phys. A, 12, L103 (1979)] within a weak coupling limit. Our result provides fully physical scenario for extracting thermodynamical work from quantum correlations [J. Oppenheim et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 180402 (2002)]. We also derive Landauer principle as a consquence of second law within the considered model.
Cite
@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0402012,
title = {Thermodynamics of quantum informational systems - Hamiltonian description},
author = {Robert Alicki and Michal Horodecki and Pawel Horodecki and Ryszard Horodecki},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0402012},
year = {2007}
}
Comments
6 pages, 6 figures, many minor changes, added references and one figure