Resource theory of quantum thermodynamics: Thermal operations and Second Laws

TL;DR

This paper explores the resource theory framework applied to quantum thermodynamics, deriving second laws that govern state transformations and analyzing their implications for classical thermodynamics and quantum heat engines.

Contribution

It introduces a resource theory approach to quantum thermodynamics, deriving second laws and connecting them to classical thermodynamics and quantum heat engine limitations.

Findings

Derivation of second laws from resource theory of thermal interactions

Recovery of classical thermodynamics in the i.i.d. limit

Application of laws to fundamental limits of quantum heat engines

Abstract

Resource theories are a generic approach used to manage any valuable resource, such as entanglement, purity, and asymmetry. Such frameworks are characterized by two main elements: a set of predefined (free) operations and states, that one assumes to be easily obtained at no cost. Given these ground rules, one can ask: what is achievable by using such free operations and states? This usually results in a set of state transition conditions, that tell us if a particular state $ \rho $ may evolve into another state $ \rho' $ via the usage of free operations and states. We shall see in this chapter that thermal interactions can be modelled as a resource theory. The state transition conditions arising out of such a framework, are then referred to as "second laws". We shall also see how such state transition conditions recover classical thermodynamics in the i.i.d. limit. Finally, we discuss how these laws are applied to study fundamental limitations to the performance of quantum heat engines.