Abstract
Work is an essential concept in classical thermodynamics, and in the quantum regime, where the notion of a trajectory is not available, its definition is not trivial. For driven (but otherwise isolated) quantum systems, work can be defined as a random variable, associated with the change in the internal energy. The probability for the different values of work captures essential information describing the behaviour of the system, both in and out of thermal equilibrium. In fact, the work probability distribution is at the core of “fluctuation theorems” in quantum thermodynamics. Here we present the design and implementation of a quantum work meter operating on an ensemble of cold atoms, which are controlled by an atom chip. Our device not only directly measures work but also directly samples its probability distribution. We demonstrate the operation of this new tool and use it to verify the validity of the quantum Jarzynksi identity.
Highlights
Work is an essential concept in classical thermodynamics, and in the quantum regime, where the notion of a trajectory is not available, its definition is not trivial
In this paper we present the design and the experimental implementation of a “quantum work meter” (QWM) operating on an ensemble of cold atoms, combining the idea presented in ref. 17 and the experimental setup used in ref
As the work probability distribution plays a central role in the fluctuation theorems of non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics, the QWM is an ideal tool to test their validity
Summary
Work is an essential concept in classical thermodynamics, and in the quantum regime, where the notion of a trajectory is not available, its definition is not trivial. The work performed on a system during non-equilibrium processes is connected with key concepts of equilibrium thermodynamics, such as the free-energy[1, 2]. These relations have been verified in various experiments involving microscopic thermodynamic systems[3,4,5]. When quantum fluctuations dominate, defining and measuring work and heat, two central concepts in classical thermodynamics, is non-trivial. As the work probability distribution plays a central role in the fluctuation theorems of non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics, the QWM is an ideal tool to test their validity. We use it to verify the Jarzynski identity[1, 10, 19,20,21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
