Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: We show that the quantum Jarzynski equality generalizes to $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$-symmetric quantum mechanics with unbroken $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry. In the regime of broken $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry, the Jarzynski equality does not hold as also the $\mathcal{C}\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ norm is not preserved during the dynamics. These findings are illustrated for an experimentally relevant system---two coupled optical waveguides. It turns out that for these systems the phase transition between the regimes of unbroken and broken $\mathcal{P}\mathcal{T}$ symmetry is thermodynamically inhibited as the irreversible work diverges at the critical point.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Authors: Sebastian Deffner, Avadh Saxena
Institution: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,750
OpenAlex ID: W1669836509