R\'enyi entropy flows from quantum heat engines

TL;DR

This paper investigates Renyi entropy flows from quantum heat engines, revealing that these flows include quantum coherent contributions distinct from heat flow, prompting a rethinking of entropy flow concepts in quantum thermodynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a method to measure quantum coherent entropy flows separately from heat flows in quantum heat engines, challenging traditional thermodynamic notions.

Findings

Entropy flows include quantum coherence contributions.

Quantum coherent flows can be experimentally separated from heat flows.

Revises the understanding of entropy flows in quantum thermodynamics.

Abstract

We evaluate Renyi entropy flows from generic quantum heat engines (QHE) to a weakly-coupled probe environment kept in thermal equilibrium. We show that the flows are determined not only by heat flow but also by a quantum coherent flow that can be separately measured in experiment apart from the heat flow measurement. The same pertains to Shanon entropy flow. This appeals for a revision of the concept of entropy flows in quantum nonequlibrium thermodynamics.