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Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics of Precision through a Quantum-Centric Computation
Mario Motta1, Antonio Mezzacapo1, Giacomo Guarnieri2
1IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, IBM Quantum, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|November 17, 2025
Summary
Thermodynamic uncertainty relations (TURs) reveal a fundamental trade-off between precision and dissipation in quantum thermodynamics. This study verifies TURs in a transverse-field Ising model, highlighting quantum effects and optimizing quantum device performance.
Area of Science:
- Quantum thermodynamics
- Statistical mechanics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Thermodynamic uncertainty relations (TURs) establish a fundamental limit connecting precision and dissipation in nonequilibrium processes.
- Understanding these relations is crucial for optimizing the efficiency of both biological and artificial thermodynamic systems.
- Accurate evaluation of TURs is key to quantifying fluctuations and dissipation, essential for advancing quantum device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate and verify thermodynamic uncertainty relations (TURs) in a quantum system.
- To investigate the impact of driving protocols and system parameters on TUR validity.
- To explore quantum signatures in work statistics and identify conditions for TUR saturation.
Main Methods:
- Simulated TURs using a hybrid approach combining quantum and classical computing.
- Employed a transverse-field Ising model subjected to a time-dependent driving protocol.
- Systematically varied drive duration, drive strength, and system size to analyze TUR behavior.
Main Results:
- Validated the accuracy of TURs across various experimental parameters.
- Identified distinct quantum signatures in work statistics within the linear response regime.
- Observed saturation of TURs in the high-temperature limit, consistent with theoretical predictions.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the applicability and robustness of TURs in a realistic quantum simulation setting.
- Findings provide insights into the fundamental trade-offs governing quantum thermodynamic processes.
- The results contribute to the broader goal of optimizing quantum technologies by understanding their inherent thermodynamic limitations.
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