Quantum features of entropy production in driven-dissipative transitions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum framework to analyze entropy production in driven-dissipative transitions, revealing divergence at critical points and extending classical concepts to quantum optical systems.

Contribution

It develops a quantum phase-space method for complete entropy production characterization in driven-dissipative systems, focusing on photon loss dissipation.

Findings

Entropy production splits into classical-like and diverging quantum contributions.

Divergence of entropy production at critical points in quantum optical models.

Framework applicable to models like open Dicke and Kerr transitions.

Abstract

The physics of driven-dissipative transitions is currently a topic of great interest, particularly in quantum optical systems. These transitions occur in systems kept out of equilibrium and are therefore characterized by a finite entropy production rate. However, very little is known about how the entropy production behaves around criticality and all of it is restricted to classical systems. Using quantum phase-space methods, we put forth a framework that allows for the complete characterization of the entropy production in driven-dissipative transitions. Our framework is tailored specifically to describe photon loss dissipation, which is effectively a zero temperature process for which the standard theory of entropy production breaks down. As an application, we study the open Dicke and Kerr models, which present continuous and discontinuous transitions, respectively.We find that the entropy production naturally splits into two contributions. One matches the behavior observed in classical systems. The other diverges at the critical point.