Exploring quasiprobability approach to quantum work in the presence of initial coherence: Advantages of the Margenau-Hill distribution

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2306.10917
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Authors: Ji-Hui Pei; Jin-Fu Chen; H. T. Quan
• Keywords: Quantum Physics; Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech); FOS: Physical sciences; Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Condensed Matter - Statistical Mechanics

In quantum thermodynamics, the two-projective-measurement (TPM) scheme provides a successful description of stochastic work only in absence initial coherence. Extending distribution to quasiprobability is general approach characterize fluctuation presence However, among large number different definitions, there no consensus on most appropriate quasiprobability. this article, we list several physically reasonable requirements including first law time-reversal symmetry, positivity second-order moment, and support condition for distribution. We prove that definition satisfies all these Margenau-Hill (MH) work. sense, MH shows its advantages over other definitions. As an illustration, calculate breathing harmonic oscillator with squeezed states show convergence classical limit.