Irreversible entropy production, from quantum to classical

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current theoretical framework for entropy production in classical and quantum thermodynamics, highlighting recent experimental advances and discussing the implications of quantum effects on irreversibility.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the formalism of entropy production and surveys recent experimental progress, bridging classical and quantum thermodynamic processes.

Findings

Recent experiments address stochastic thermodynamics

Quantum effects influence entropy production

Framework unifies classical and quantum thermodynamics

Abstract

Entropy production is a key quantity in any finite-time thermodynamic process. It is intimately tied with the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, embodying a tool to extend thermodynamic considerations all the way to non-equilibrium processes. It is also often used in attempts to provide the quantitative characterization of logical and thermodynamic irreversibility, stemming from processes in physics, chemistry and biology. Notwithstanding its fundamental character, a unifying theory of entropy production valid for general processes, both classical and quantum, has not yet been formulated. Developments pivoting around the frameworks of stochastic thermodynamics, open quantum systems, and quantum information theory have led to substantial progress in such endeavour. This has culminated in the unlocking of a new generation of experiments able to address stochastic thermodynamic processes and the impact of entropy production on them. This paper aims to provide a compendium on the current framework for the description, assessment and manipulation of entropy production. We present both formal aspects of its formulation and the implications stemming from the potential quantum nature of a given process, including a detailed survey of recent experiments.