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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Gradient Echo Quantum Memory in Warm Atomic Vapor

Gradient Echo Quantum Memory in Warm Atomic Vapor

Published on: November 11, 2013

Demonstrating Quantum Microscopic Reversibility Using Coherent States of Light.

Marco Bellini^1,2, Hyukjoon Kwon³, Nicola Biagi^1,2

¹Istituto Nazionale di Ottica (CNR-INO), Largo Enrico Fermi 6, 50125 Florence, Italy.

Physical Review Letters

|November 4, 2022

Summary

We propose a quantum generalization of microscopic reversibility for fluctuation theorems. Quantum coherence makes backward processes less likely, especially at low temperatures.

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Area of Science:

Thermodynamics
Quantum Mechanics
Statistical Physics

Background:

Microscopic reversibility is fundamental to fluctuation theorems and thermodynamics.
Quantum systems challenge this principle due to energy uncertainty.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose and experimentally verify a quantum generalization of microscopic reversibility.
To investigate the role of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes.

Main Methods:

Developed a theoretical framework for quantum microscopic reversibility.
Experimentally tested the concept using a beam splitter with coherent and thermal optical states.
Employed heterodyne detection for measurements.

Main Results:

Demonstrated that quantum coherence influences the likelihood of backward processes.
Confirmed the quantum modification is significant at low temperatures.
Observed a quantum-to-classical transition with increasing temperature.

Conclusions:

The study provides a quantum-corrected understanding of microscopic reversibility.
Quantum effects are crucial for thermodynamics in the quantum regime.
Experimental validation confirms theoretical predictions in optical systems.