Landauer's principle in the quantum domain

TL;DR

This paper clarifies misconceptions about Landauer's principle in quantum systems, showing that proper treatment of correlations resolves apparent violations of thermodynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates that previous claims of violating Landauer's principle in quantum systems are incorrect when correlations are properly accounted for.

Findings

Proper treatment of correlations preserves Landauer's principle in quantum thermodynamics.

Misinterpretations arise from neglecting correlations in strongly coupled quantum systems.

The paradox of violating thermodynamics in quantum regimes is resolved through consistent entropy, heat, and work calculations.

Abstract

Recent papers discussing thermodynamic processes in strongly coupled quantum systems claim a violation of Landauer's principle and imply a violation of the second law of thermodynamics. If true, this would have powerful consequences. Perpetuum mobiles could be build as long as the operating temperature is brought close to zero. It would also have serious consequences on thermodynamic derivations of information theoretic results, such as the Holevo bound. Here we argue why these claims are erroneous. Correlations occurring in the strongly coupled, quantum domain require a rethink of how entropy, heat and work are calculated. It is shown that a consistent treatment solves the paradox.