No-go results in quantum thermodynamics

Abstract

Thermodynamics is one of the fascinating branches of traditional physics to certify the occurrence of many natural processes. On the other hand, quantum theory is the most acceptable description of the microscopic world. In the present work, we have studied how the structure of quantum theory prohibits cloning or masking of several thermodynamic quantities, viz., work and energy stored in a quantum state. Our results have important consequences in quantum partial cloning, quantum masking and on the action of quantum channels.

Activation of thermal states by quantum SWITCH-driven thermalization and its limits

“…As regards the latter, quantum SWITCH of two thermal maps has been considered for extraction of the free energy amount of work from thermal states [15] as well as with respect to work extraction under a unitary cyclic evolution of a quantum system [16]. Indeed, amount of work that can be extracted from a quantum system under a unitary cycle is given by ergotropy [17] that quanti es the energy di erence between the concerned state and the corresponding passive state, i.e., the equal entropic state with minimum energy [18][19][20][21]. Evidently, the energy of a single passive state cannot be lowered further, and no work can be extracted from it under unitary cyclic evolution.…”