Quantum Work fluctuation theorems and Cycle dependence of Work in a Quantum Heat Engine
ABSTRACT :
The Jarzynski and Crooks work fluctuation theorems (FTs) are remarkable exact relations that provide an useful paradigm to examine non-equilibrium thermodynamics. For classical systems, these relations are very well understood theoretically and experimentally. However, for quantum systems, the standard procedure that preserves the form of the FTs requires the projective measurement of energy at the beginning and the end of the protocol. We have explored the dependence of the form of the fluctuation theorems on the energy measurements by considering generalized measurements. Such a line of enquiry highlights some of the unique issues with regard to FTs in quantum systems and may provide an easier way to experimentally verify them. In the second part of the talk, if time permits, I will present some recent results showing non-monotonic increase of work output of a quantum heat engine - which is a machine that has its fuel a quantum mechanical particle - as a function of number of engine cycles.