An introductory review of the resource theory approach to thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper introduces the resource theory approach to quantum thermodynamics, explaining its core concepts, mathematical tools, and applications like work extraction bounds and coherence irreversibility, aimed at researchers new to the field.

Contribution

It provides an accessible, self-contained overview of the resource theory framework, including technical machinery, core results, and connections to other approaches in quantum thermodynamics.

Findings

Bounds on deterministic work extraction and formation

Complete solution for a single qubit system

Irreversibility of coherence transfers

Abstract

I give a self-contained introduction to the resource theory approach to quantum thermodynamics. I will introduce in an elementary manner the technical machinery necessary to unpack and prove the core statements of the theory. The topics covered include the so-called `many second laws of thermodynamics', thermo-majorisation and symmetry constraints on the evolution of quantum coherence. Among the elementary applications, I explicitly work out the bounds on deterministic work extraction and formation, discuss the complete solution of the theory for a single qubit and present the irreversibility of coherence transfers. The aim is to facilitate the task of those researchers interested in engaging and contributing to this topic, presenting scope and motivation of its core assumptions and discussing the relation between the resource theory and complementary approaches.