Quantum szilard engine: thermodynamic uncertainty and information processing via quantum computing

Abstract In this work, we experimentally investigate the lower bound of the thermodynamic uncertainty relation (TUR) using a quantum Maxwell’s demon, specifically modeled as a Szilard engine. A quantum circuit representing the Szilard engine was designed and implemented on an IBM quantum computer that showcases the integration of quantum information processing. The circuit was executed multiple times to extract currents associated with various thermodynamic quantities, allowing for an estimation of the thermodynamic uncertainty product. TUR establishes a universal trade-off between the precision of thermodynamic currents (such as heat, work, or entropy) and entropy production rate in non-equilibrium systems, placing a universal bound on their fluctuations. Our findings indicate that the TUR’s lower bound is upheld in the quantum regime, with the uncertainty product consistently exceeding the theoretical limit of two. This result reaffirms the robustness of the thermodynamic uncertainty relation in quantum thermodynamic systems.