Thermodynamic precision in the nonequilibrium exchange scenario

Area of Science:

• Quantum Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Quantum Information Theory

Background:

• Investigating thermodynamic uncertainty relations (TURs) is key to understanding fundamental limits in thermodynamics.
• Entangled nonequilibrium steady states (NESS) offer novel platforms for quantum thermodynamics.
• The role of entanglement in thermodynamic processes remains an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze exchange scenario thermodynamic uncertainty relations for two-qubit entangled NESS.
• To explore the utility of entangled NESS as endpoints for thermodynamic cycles.
• To elucidate the impact of quantum entanglement on the precision of work absorption.

Main Methods:

• Analytical derivation of thermodynamic uncertainty relations for a two-qubit system.
• Coupling two qubits to thermal baths to create entangled NESS.
• Investigating unitary quenches and their effect on TURs.
• Analyzing the projection of entangled states onto separable states.

Main Results:

• An exchange scenario TUR was analytically constructed for a paradigmatic unitary process.
• The derived TUR was found to be invalid for certain unitary quenches.
• Entanglement was demonstrated to play a significant role in achieving precise work absorption.
• Projecting entangled states onto separable states can increase relative uncertainty.

Conclusions:

• Entangled NESS can serve as effective endpoints for quantum thermodynamic cycles.
• The validity of TURs in quantum systems is sensitive to the specific unitary evolution.
• Quantum entanglement is a valuable resource for enhancing precision in quantum work absorption, highlighting its utility in quantum thermodynamics.