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Related Experiment Video

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Large Scale Energy Efficient Sensor Network Routing Using a Quantum Processor Unit

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Published on: September 8, 2023

Energy-temperature uncertainty relation in quantum thermodynamics.

H J D Miller¹, J Anders²

¹Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL, UK. hm419@exeter.ac.uk.

Nature Communications

|June 8, 2018

Summary

This study introduces a new thermodynamic uncertainty relation for nanoscale systems, accounting for environmental interactions. It reveals how quantum fluctuations impact temperature precision, crucial for developing better thermometers.

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Area of Science:

Quantum Thermodynamics
Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Estimation Theory

Background:

Macroscopic systems achieve precise temperature estimates via large energy fluctuations in equilibrium.
Nanoscale systems exhibit deviations from standard thermodynamics due to environmental interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

To derive a generalized thermodynamic uncertainty relation applicable to both classical and quantum systems across all coupling strengths.
To investigate the impact of system-environment interactions on temperature uncertainty in nanoscale systems.

Main Methods:

Utilizing quantum estimation theory to incorporate environmental interactions.
Deriving a generalized thermodynamic uncertainty relation.

Main Results:

The non-commutativity of system state and effective energy operator introduces quantum fluctuations, increasing temperature uncertainty.
These quantum fluctuations are quantified by the average Wigner-Yanase-Dyson skew information.
The temperature's signal-to-noise ratio is limited by heat capacity and a dissipative term from interactions.

Conclusions:

Established a generalized thermodynamic uncertainty relation valid for classical and quantum systems.
Highlighted the role of quantum fluctuations and environmental interactions in nanoscale temperature measurement.
Provided insights for designing optimal nanoscale thermometers by understanding classical and non-classical fluctuation interplay.