Stochastic thermodynamics in the quantum regime: From quantum measurement to quantum trajectories

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new formalism for stochastic thermodynamics in quantum systems, emphasizing the role of quantum measurement and back-action, bridging quantum optics and thermodynamics, and revealing measurement-induced irreversibility.

Contribution

It develops a formalism that incorporates quantum measurement into stochastic thermodynamics, defining quantum heat exchange and linking quantum optics with thermodynamics.

Findings

Identification of measurement-induced irreversibility signatures

Definition of quantum heat exchange from measurement back-action

Application of Jarzynski equality in quantum measurement context

Abstract

This article sets up a new formalism to investigate stochastic thermodynamics of out-of-equilibrium quantum systems, where stochasticity primarily comes from quantum measurement. In the absence of any bath, we define a purely quantum component to heat exchange, that corresponds to energy fluctuations induced by measurement back-action. By providing a central position to quantum measurement, our formalism bridges the gap between quantum optics and quantum thermodynamics: Thermal signatures of measurement induced irreversibility are identified in a simple implementation of Jarzynski equality, while quantum thermodynamics sheds new light on textbook paradoxical trajectories in quantum optics.