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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

A Psychophysics Paradigm for the Collection and Analysis of Similarity Judgments

A Psychophysics Paradigm for the Collection and Analysis of Similarity Judgments

Published on: March 1, 2022

Optimal processes for probabilistic work extraction beyond the second law.

Vasco Cavina¹, Andrea Mari¹, Vittorio Giovannetti¹

¹NEST, Scuola Normale Superiore and Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR, I-56126 Pisa, Italy.

Scientific Reports

|July 6, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study explores thermodynamic processes to maximize work extraction probability beyond classical bounds. Researchers identified an optimal protocol involving quantum discrete processes and thermalizations for enhanced work extraction.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 18, 2026

A Psychophysics Paradigm for the Collection and Analysis of Similarity Judgments

A Psychophysics Paradigm for the Collection and Analysis of Similarity Judgments

Published on: March 1, 2022

Area of Science:

Thermodynamics
Quantum Mechanics
Statistical Mechanics

Background:

The second law of thermodynamics sets bounds on average work extraction based on free energy.
Single thermodynamic processes exhibit statistical fluctuations, allowing probabilistic violations of these bounds.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify thermodynamic processes that maximize the probability of extracting work above a specified threshold.
To investigate methods for enhancing work extraction beyond classical thermodynamic limits.

Main Methods:

Derivation of an upper bound for work extraction probability for processes obeying the Jarzynski identity.
Analysis within the thermodynamic formalism of quantum discrete processes.
Identification of optimal protocols involving unitary quenches and thermalizations.

Main Results:

An upper bound for work extraction probability was determined, dependent on desired work extraction levels.
This bound can be saturated using specific quantum thermodynamic protocols.
The optimal protocol consists of two quasi-static isothermal transformations and a finite unitary quench.

Conclusions:

Quantum thermodynamics offers pathways to enhance work extraction probabilities beyond classical predictions.
The identified optimal protocol provides a concrete strategy for maximizing probabilistic work extraction.
This research has implications for understanding and manipulating energy at the quantum level.