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Introduction to Quantum Thermodynamics: History and Prospects

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Thermodynamics in the Quantum Regime

Part of the book series: Fundamental Theories of Physics ((FTPH,volume 195))

Abstract

Quantum Thermodynamics is a continuous dialogue between two independent theories: Thermodynamics and Quantum Mechanics. Whenever the two theories have addressed the same phenomena new insight has emerged. We follow the dialogue from equilibrium Quantum Thermodynamics and the notion of entropy and entropy inequalities which are the base of the II-law. Dynamical considerations lead to non-equilibrium thermodynamics of quantum Open Systems. The central part played by completely positive maps is discussed leading to the Gorini–Kossakowski–Lindblad–Sudarshan “GKLS” equation. We address the connection to thermodynamics through the system-bath weak-coupling-limit WCL leading to dynamical versions of the I-law. The dialogue has developed through the analysis of quantum engines and refrigerators. Reciprocating and continuous engines are discussed. The autonomous quantum absorption refrigerator is employed to illustrate the III-law. Finally, we describe some open questions and perspectives.

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Acknowledgements

We want to thank Amikam Levi and Raam Uzdin for their helpful comments. The work was partially supported by the Israeli Science Foundation: Grant 2244/14.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland

    Robert Alicki

  2. The Fritz Haber Research Center for Molecular Dynamics, The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91904, Jerusalem, Israel

    Ronnie Kosloff

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  1. School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore

    Felix Binder

  2. School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

    Luis A. Correa

  3. ICFO: Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Castelldefels, Spain

    Christian Gogolin

  4. CEMPS, Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

    Janet Anders

  5. School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

    Gerardo Adesso

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Alicki, R., Kosloff, R. (2018). Introduction to Quantum Thermodynamics: History and Prospects. In: Binder, F., Correa, L., Gogolin, C., Anders, J., Adesso, G. (eds) Thermodynamics in the Quantum Regime. Fundamental Theories of Physics, vol 195. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99046-0_1

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