An international collaboration sheds new light on the relationship between quantum theory and thermodynamics. The research group demonstrated that while the laws of quantum theory alone do not inherently prevent violations of the second law of thermodynamics, any quantum process can be implemented without actually violating the law.
This surprising result suggests a peaceful coexistence between quantum theory and thermodynamics, despite their logical independence. This discovery could have profound implications for understanding the thermodynamic limits of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and nanoscale engines.
Despite its foundational role, the second law remains one of the most debated and misunderstood principles in science. Central to this debate is the paradox of"Maxwell's Demon," a thought experiment proposed by physicist James Clerk Maxwell in 1867. To explore this phenomenon further, the researchers developed a mathematical model for a"demonic engine," a system powered by Maxwell's demon. Their approach is rooted in the theory of quantum instruments, a framework introduced in the 1970s and 1980s to describe the most general forms of quantum measurement.
"Our results showed that under certain conditions permitted by quantum theory, even after accounting for all costs, the work extracted can exceed the work expended, seemingly violating the second law of thermodynamics," explained Shintaro Minagawa, a lead researcher on the project."This revelation was as exciting as it was unexpected, challenging the assumption that quantum theory is inherently 'demon-proof.
"One thing we show in this paper is that quantum theory is really logically independent of the second law of thermodynamics. That is, it can violate the law simply because it does not 'know' about it at all," Francesco Buscemi explained."And yet -- and this is just as remarkable -- any quantum process can be realized without violating the second law of thermodynamics. This can be done by adding more systems until the thermodynamic balance is restored.
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