Repeated Interactions and Quantum Stochastic Thermodynamics at Strong Coupling.

Area of Science:

• Quantum Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Open Quantum Systems

Background:

• The thermodynamic framework of repeated interactions is crucial for understanding energy exchange in quantum systems.
• Existing frameworks often struggle with strong coupling and arbitrary measurements in open quantum systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generalize the thermodynamic framework of repeated interactions to arbitrary open quantum systems.
• To extend this framework to encompass arbitrary measurements on the system.
• To establish an experimentally testable foundation for strong coupling quantum thermodynamics.

Main Methods:

• Generalization of the thermodynamic framework for repeated interactions.
• Extension of the theory to include arbitrary measurements.
• Application to open quantum systems in contact with a heat bath.

Main Results:

• A generalized thermodynamic framework applicable to arbitrary open quantum systems and measurements.
• Consistent thermodynamic interpretation for quantum stochastic processes and quantum causal models.
• Establishment of a direct, experimentally testable framework for strong coupling quantum thermodynamics.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a robust foundation for quantum thermodynamics in regimes of strong coupling.
• It offers a unified approach to understanding thermodynamics in quantum measurements and processes.
• The framework facilitates further research into non-Markovianity and nonequilibrium thermodynamics in quantum systems.