Affiliation:
1. QPequi Group, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, Brazil
2. International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies (ICTQT), University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
Abstract
The universality of classical thermodynamics rests on the central limit theorem, due to which, measurements of thermal fluctuations are unable to reveal detailed information regarding the microscopic structure of a macroscopic body. When small systems are considered and fluctuations become important, thermodynamic quantities can be understood in the context of classical stochastic mechanics. A fundamental assumption behind thermodynamics is therefore that of coarse graining, which stems from a substantial lack of control over all degrees of freedom. However, when quantum systems are concerned, one claims a high level of control. As a consequence, information theory plays a major role in the identification of thermodynamic functions. Here, drawing from the concept of gauge symmetry—essential in all modern physical theories—we put forward a new possible intermediate route. Working within the realm of quantum thermodynamics, we explicitly construct physically motivated gauge transformations which encode a gentle variant of coarse graining behind thermodynamics. As a first application of this new framework, we reinterpret quantum work and heat, as well as the role of quantum coherence.
Funder
Foundation for Polish Science
EU
National Institute for the Science and Technology of Quantum Information
National Council for Scientific and Technological Development
Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement
Subject
General Physics and Astronomy