Quantum Detailed Fluctuation Theorem in Curved Spacetimes: The Observer Dependent Nature of Entropy Production

The interplay between thermodynamics, general relativity, and quantum mechanics has long intrigued researchers. Recently, important advances have been obtained in thermodynamics, mainly regarding its application to the quantum domain through fluctuation theorems. In this Letter, we apply Fermi normal coordinates to report a fully general relativistic detailed quantum fluctuation theorem based on the two point measurement scheme. We demonstrate how the spacetime curvature can produce entropy in a localized quantum system moving in a general spacetime. The example of a quantum harmonic oscillator living in an expanding universe is presented. This result implies that entropy production is strongly observer dependent and deeply connects the arrow of time with the causal structure of the spacetime.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical Review Letters
Published
2025-02-06
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.134.050406
Citations
3
Primary Topic
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
3.97

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article

Quantum Detailed Fluctuation Theorem in Curved Spacetimes: The Observer Dependent Nature of Entropy Production

Jonas Maziero, Marcos L. W. Basso, Lucas C. Céleri
3 citations
Physical Review Letters
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
3.97
article

Quantum Detailed Fluctuation Theorem in Curved Spacetimes: The Observer Dependent Nature of Entropy Production

Jonas Maziero, Marcos L. W. Basso, Lucas C. Céleri
article en
3 citations

Abstract

The interplay between thermodynamics, general relativity, and quantum mechanics has long intrigued researchers. Recently, important advances have been obtained in thermodynamics, mainly regarding its application to the quantum domain through fluctuation theorems. In this Letter, we apply Fermi normal coordinates to report a fully general relativistic detailed quantum fluctuation theorem based on the two point measurement scheme. We demonstrate how the spacetime curvature can produce entropy in a localized quantum system moving in a general spacetime. The example of a quantum harmonic oscillator living in an expanding universe is presented. This result implies that entropy production is strongly observer dependent and deeply connects the arrow of time with the causal structure of the spacetime.

Physical Review LettersVol. 134(5)
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (BR), Universidade Federal de Goiás (BR), Universidade Federal do ABC (BR)
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Informação Quântica
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
3.97
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