Fluctuation theorems: Work is not an observable
Peter Talkner, Eric Lutz, Peter Hanggi
TL;DR
This paper explores the theoretical foundations of work in quantum systems, linking the characteristic function of work to correlation functions and discussing its relation to free energy differences via fluctuation theorems.
Contribution
It provides a new perspective on work as a non-observable quantity in quantum mechanics, connecting characteristic functions with correlation functions and fluctuation theorems.
Findings
Work is not an observable in quantum systems.
Characteristic function of work relates to time-ordered correlation functions.
The exponential average of work connects to free energy differences via Jarzynski's theorem.
Abstract
The characteristic function of the work performed by an external time-dependent force on a Hamiltonian quantum system is identified with the time-ordered correlation function of the exponentiated system's Hamiltonian. A similar expression is obtained for the averaged exponential work which is related to the free energy difference of equilibrium systems by the Jarzynski work theorem.
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