Open-system approach to nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics at arbitrary coupling

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive theory for the thermodynamics of open quantum systems at arbitrary coupling, extending beyond perturbative methods and incorporating non-Markovian effects.

Contribution

It introduces an exact, time-local quantum master equation framework with a minimal dissipation principle, enabling consistent definitions of thermodynamic quantities.

Findings

Defines work, heat, and entropy production in quantum systems

Formulates the first and second laws of thermodynamics for open quantum systems

Links violations of the second law to quantum non-Markovianity

Abstract

We develop a general theory describing the thermodynamical behavior of open quantum systems coupled to thermal baths beyond perturbation theory. Our approach is based on the exact time-local quantum master equation for the reduced open system states, and on a principle of minimal dissipation. This principle leads to a unique prescription for the decomposition of the master equation into a Hamiltonian part representing coherent time evolution and a dissipator part describing dissipation and decoherence. Employing this decomposition we demonstrate how to define work, heat, and entropy production, formulate the first and second law of thermodynamics, and establish the connection between violations of the second law and quantum non-Markovianity.