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Quantum-trajectory approach to the stochastic thermodynamics of a forced harmonic oscillator
1Departamento de Física Atómica, Molecular y Nuclear and GISC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
I formulate a quantum stochastic thermodynamics for the quantum trajectories of a continuously monitored forced harmonic oscillator coupled to a thermal reservoir. Consistent trajectory-dependent definitions are introduced for work, heat, and entropy, through engineering the thermal reservoir from a sequence of two-level systems. Within this formalism the connection between irreversibility and entropy production is analyzed and confirmed by proving a detailed fluctuation theorem for quantum trajectories. Finally, possible experimental verifications are discussed.
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