Thermal Efficiency of Quantum Memory Compression

Area of Science:

• Quantum Physics
• Thermodynamics
• Computational Science

Background:

• Quantum coherence is a fundamental quantum mechanical property.
• Simulating classical processes using quantum systems can offer advantages.
• Single-shot quantum thermodynamics provides tools to analyze energy costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive the minimal work cost rate for quantum simulators of classical processes.
• To compare the efficiency of quantum simulators with classical ones.
• To explore the benefits of quantum simulation for memory compression and reduced dissipation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing recent results in single-shot quantum thermodynamics.
• Deriving a quasistatically attainable minimal work cost rate.
• Analyzing the limit of asymptotically infinite parallel simulation.

Main Results:

• Quantum coherence enables reduced-memory simulators for classical processes.
• Quantizing classical simulators leads to memory compression.
• Quantization results in reduced energy dissipation compared to classical regimes.

Conclusions:

• Quantum simulation offers a pathway to more efficient classical process simulation.
• The advantages of quantum simulation include memory compression and lower energy dissipation.
• This work quantifies the work cost and demonstrates the benefits across various examples.