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Work distributions for random sudden quantum quenches.

Marcin Łobejko1,2, Jerzy Łuczka1,2, Peter Talkner1,3

  • 1Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, 40-007 Katowice, Poland.

Physical Review. E
|June 17, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study investigates work statistics in quantum systems undergoing sudden random quenches. The research derives a work probability density function, revealing insights into quantum thermodynamics and energy distributions.

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Area of Science:

  • Quantum mechanics
  • Statistical mechanics
  • Quantum thermodynamics

Background:

  • Investigating work statistics in quantum systems is crucial for understanding energy exchange during dynamic processes.
  • Sudden random quenches provide a theoretical framework to probe non-equilibrium quantum phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the statistical properties of work performed on quantum systems subjected to sudden random quenches.
  • To derive and evaluate the probability density function (pdf) of work for such processes.

Main Methods:

  • Modeling sudden random quenches using elements from a Gaussian unitary ensemble (GUE) of Hermitian matrices.
  • Deriving the work pdf in terms of initial and final energy distributions.
  • Evaluating the work pdf for a two-level system and specific temperature limits.

Main Results:

  • A probability density function (pdf) for work was derived and evaluated for a two-level system.
  • Explicit results were obtained for quenches with a fixed initial Hamiltonian.
  • Work distributions for quenches between two independent GUEs were determined in zero and infinite temperature limits.

Conclusions:

  • The work distribution for a sudden random quench is identical to that of an infinitely slow (adiabatic) protocol connecting the same Hamiltonians.
  • Findings contribute to the understanding of quantum thermodynamics under non-equilibrium conditions.