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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Quantum State Engineering of Light with Continuous-wave Optical Parametric Oscillators
Published on: May 30, 2014
Quantum work-fluctuation theorem: exact case study for a perturbed oscillator
1Department of Applied Physics, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. monnai@aoni.waseda.jp
Summary
This study examines work-induced entropy production fluctuations in quantum harmonic oscillators. Results show non-Gaussian behavior that bridges Gaussian and Poissonian distributions across temperatures, satisfying fluctuation theorems.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Thermodynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Understanding entropy production is crucial in quantum systems.
- Quantum harmonic oscillators are fundamental models in quantum mechanics.
- Reservoir interactions significantly influence quantum system dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analytically investigate work-induced entropy production fluctuations.
- To characterize the nature of these fluctuations in a quantum harmonic oscillator model.
- To explore the temperature dependence of entropy production distributions.
Main Methods:
- Analytical exploration of quantum fluctuation theory.
- Perturbation analysis of a quantum harmonic oscillator.
- Investigation of systems coupled to multiple reservoirs.
Main Results:
- Work-induced entropy production exhibits non-Gaussian fluctuations.
- The fluctuation distribution interpolates between Gaussian (high temperature) and Poissonian (low temperature) regimes.
- The fluctuation theorem symmetry is rigorously satisfied for the system.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a detailed analytical framework for quantum entropy production.
- Non-Gaussian statistics are a key feature of quantum work fluctuations.
- The findings are consistent with fundamental fluctuation theorems in quantum thermodynamics.
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