Work

Observing quantum work by Margenau-Hill quasiprobability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We consider Margenau-Hill quasiprobability that measures a statistical weight assigned to an observation of an energy eigenvalue pair and its utilization in assessing work done by isolated quantum ensembles that generally contain coherence. We point out some physically reasonable and intuitive features of the statistical properties of work determined by Margenau-Hill quasiprobability. To be specific, we show that in sharp contrast to other proposals, the moment-generating function given by Margenau-Hill quasiprobability fulfills the composition and shift properties, and thus guarantees the additivity of works performed by joined work protocols. Work fluctuations accessed by Margenau-Hill distribution also give expected values for initially pure energy ensembles, providing a rationale as to why it serves as a unique measure in characterizing quantum work and its fluctuations.

Source: Europhysics Letters (EPL)

DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/adcc4c

Authors: Juyeon Yi, Yong Woon Kim

Institutions: Pusan National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics

Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $1,895

Funder: National Research Foundation of Korea