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arXiv · 2310.11653

Quantum work: Reconciling quantum mechanics and thermodynamics

Thales Augusto Barbosa Pinto Silva·David Gelbwaser-Klimovsky
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Abstract

It has been recently claimed that no protocol for measuring quantum work can satisfy standard required physical principles, casting doubts on the compatibility between quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and the classical limit. In this Letter, we present a solution for this incompatibility. We demonstrate that the standard formulation of these principles fails to address the classical limit properly. By proposing changes in this direction, we prove that all the essential principles can be satisfied when work is defined as a quantum observable, reconciling quantum work statistics and thermodynamics.

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Thales Augusto Barbosa Pinto Silva, David Gelbwaser-Klimovsky. 2023-10-18. Quantum work: Reconciling quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevresearch.6.l022036

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