The role of quantum measurement in stochastic thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new formalism to analyze stochastic thermodynamics in quantum systems, emphasizing the role of measurement-induced irreversibility and energy exchange without an external bath.

Contribution

It develops a formalism that highlights quantum measurement as a key source of stochasticity and irreversibility in quantum thermodynamics, bridging experimental quantum optics and thermodynamics.

Findings

Quantum measurement causes energy fluctuations and irreversibility.

Measurement back-action defines a quantum component of heat exchange.

Cost of counteracting decoherence is characterized in a state-stabilizing protocol.

Abstract

This article sets up a new formalism to investigate stochastic thermodynamics in the quantum regime, where stochasticity and irreversibility primarily come from quantum measurement. In the absence of any bath, we define a purely quantum component to heat exchange, that corresponds to energy fluctuations caused by measurement back-action. Energetic and entropic signatures of measurement induced irreversibility are then investigated for canonical experiments of quantum optics, and the energetic cost of counter-acting decoherence is characterized on a simple state-stabilizing protocol. By placing quantum measurement in a central position, our formalism contributes to bridge a gap between experimental quantum optics and quantum thermodynamics.