Thermodynamic uncertainty relations for relativistic quantum thermal machines

We investigate a two-qubit SWAP thermal machine—a streamlined analog of the four-stroke Otto cycle—whose working medium comprises inertially moving Unruh-DeWitt qubit detectors, each coupled to a thermal quantum field bath prepared at a different temperature. In the presence of relative motion between the working medium and the thermal baths, we derive thermodynamic uncertainty relations (TURs) that quantify the trade-off between performance, entropy production, and power fluctuations. Our analysis identifies regimes where relativistic motion leads to stronger violation of classical TURs, previously observed in static quantum setups. In addition, we establish generalized performance bounds for the thermal machine operating as either a heat engine or a refrigerator, and discuss how relativistic motion can enhance their performances beyond the standard Carnot limits defined by rest-frame temperatures.

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Publication Details

Journal
Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
Published
2026-02-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1103/25jj-1h67
Primary Topic
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Type
article
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article

Thermodynamic uncertainty relations for relativistic quantum thermal machines

Obinna Abah, Dimitris Moustos
Physical review. D/Physical review. D.
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
article

Thermodynamic uncertainty relations for relativistic quantum thermal machines

Obinna Abah, Dimitris Moustos
article en

Abstract

We investigate a two-qubit SWAP thermal machine—a streamlined analog of the four-stroke Otto cycle—whose working medium comprises inertially moving Unruh-DeWitt qubit detectors, each coupled to a thermal quantum field bath prepared at a different temperature. In the presence of relative motion between the working medium and the thermal baths, we derive thermodynamic uncertainty relations (TURs) that quantify the trade-off between performance, entropy production, and power fluctuations. Our analysis identifies regimes where relativistic motion leads to stronger violation of classical TURs, previously observed in static quantum setups. In addition, we establish generalized performance bounds for the thermal machine operating as either a heat engine or a refrigerator, and discuss how relativistic motion can enhance their performances beyond the standard Carnot limits defined by rest-frame temperatures.

Physical review. D/Physical review. D.Vol. 113(6)
Newcastle University (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 99%
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
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Thermodynamic uncertainty relations for relativistic quantum thermal machines — Obinna Abah, Dimitris Moustos · Physical review. D/Physical review. D. (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS