Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2025
10:00
Gradient Echo Quantum Memory in Warm Atomic Vapor
Published on: November 11, 2013
12.9K
Irreversible and quantum thermodynamic considerations on the quantum zeno effect
1Dipartimento Energia "Galileo Ferraris", Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Torin, Italy. umberto.lucia@polito.it.
Scientific Reports
|July 4, 2023
Summary
The quantum Zeno effect, which halts quantum system evolution with frequent measurements, is explored via thermodynamic analysis. It necessitates high electromagnetic entropy generation and decreased system entropy, revealing irreversibility
Area of Science:
- Quantum physics
- Thermodynamics
- Quantum measurement
Background:
- The quantum Zeno effect describes the inhibition of quantum system evolution due to continuous observation.
- Understanding the thermodynamic underpinnings of this effect is crucial for quantum control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the quantum Zeno effect through an irreversible thermodynamic lens.
- To define time evolution based on thermodynamic principles in quantum systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing irreversible thermodynamic analysis to define time in quantum systems.
- Analyzing the role of electromagnetic entropy generation and system entropy changes.
Main Results:
- The quantum Zeno effect is linked to high electromagnetic entropy generation rates from measurement devices.
- A decrease in the quantum system's entropy value is a key requirement.
- The effect leads to a quantum thermodynamic stationary state.
Conclusions:
- The quantum Zeno effect is an interaction between quantum systems and measurement electromagnetic waves.
- Irreversibility plays a fundamental role in establishing the quantum thermodynamic stationary state observed in the quantum Zeno effect.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Reversible and Irreversible Processes
4.3K
The thermodynamic processes can be classified into reversible and irreversible processes. The processes that can be restored to their initial state are called reversible processes. It is only possible if the process is in quasi-static equilibrium, i.e., it takes place in infinitesimally small steps, and the system remains at equilibrium However, these are ideal processes and do not occur naturally. An ideal system undergoing a reversible process is always in thermodynamic equilibrium within...
4.3K
01:20Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
2.9K
The second law of thermodynamics can be stated quantitatively using the concept of entropy. Entropy is the measure of disorder of the system.
The relation between entropy and disorder can be illustrated with the example of the phase change of ice to water. In ice, the molecules are located at specific sites giving a solid state, whereas, in a liquid form, these molecules are much freer to move. The molecular arrangement has therefore become more randomized. Although the change in average...
The relation between entropy and disorder can be illustrated with the example of the phase change of ice to water. In ice, the molecules are located at specific sites giving a solid state, whereas, in a liquid form, these molecules are much freer to move. The molecular arrangement has therefore become more randomized. Although the change in average...
2.9K
01:14Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
5.1K
Experimentally, if object A is in equilibrium with object B, and object B is in equilibrium with object C, then object A is in equilibrium with object C. That statement of transitivity is called the "zeroth law of thermodynamics." For example, a cold metal block and a hot metal block are both placed on a metal plate at room temperature. Eventually, the cold block and the plate will be in thermal equilibrium. In addition, the hot block and the plate will be in thermal equilibrium.
5.1K
01:18Entropy
2.7K
The first law of thermodynamics is quantitatively formulated via an equation relating the internal energy of a system, the heat exchanged by it, and the work done on it. A quantitative formulation of the second law of thermodynamics leads to defining a state function, the entropy.
When an ideal gas expands isothermally, the disorder in the gas increases. From the molecular perspective, the gas molecules have more volume to move around in.
Consider an infinitesimal step in the expansion, which...
When an ideal gas expands isothermally, the disorder in the gas increases. From the molecular perspective, the gas molecules have more volume to move around in.
Consider an infinitesimal step in the expansion, which...
2.7K
01:10Entropy Change in Reversible Processes
2.6K
In the Carnot engine, which achieves the maximum efficiency between two reservoirs of fixed temperatures, the total change in entropy is zero. The observation can be generalized by considering any reversible cyclic process consisting of many Carnot cycles. Thus, it can be stated that the total entropy change of any ideal reversible cycle is zero.
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
The statement can be further generalized to prove that entropy is a state function. Take a cyclic process between any two points on a p-V diagram.
2.6K
02:49Second Law of Thermodynamics
24.0K
In the quest to identify a property that may reliably predict the spontaneity of a process, a promising candidate has been identified: entropy. Processes that involve an increase in entropy of the system (ΔS > 0) are very often spontaneous; however, examples to the contrary are plentiful. By expanding consideration of entropy changes to include the surroundings, a significant conclusion regarding the relation between this property and spontaneity may be reached. In thermodynamic...
24.0K