Quantum Trajectory Approach to the Stochastic Thermodynamics of a Forced Harmonic Oscillator

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum stochastic thermodynamics framework for a monitored harmonic oscillator, defining thermodynamic quantities along quantum trajectories and establishing fluctuation theorems, with potential experimental applications.

Contribution

It introduces a trajectory-dependent thermodynamics formalism for quantum systems coupled to engineered reservoirs, linking irreversibility with entropy production.

Findings

Proves a detailed fluctuation theorem for quantum trajectories.

Defines work, heat, and entropy at the trajectory level.

Discusses potential experimental verifications.

Abstract

I formulate a quantum stochastic thermodynamics for the quantum trajectories of a continuously-monitored forced harmonic oscillator coupled to a thermal reservoir. Consistent trajectory-dependent definitions are introduced for work, heat, and entropy, through engineering the thermal reservoir from a sequence of two-level systems. Within this formalism the connection between irreversibility and entropy production is analyzed and confirmed by proving a detailed fluctuation theorem for quantum trajectories. Finally, possible experimental verifications are discussed.