title: Quantum-trajectory approach to the stochastic thermodynamics of a forced harmonic oscillator.
abstract: I formulate a quantum stochastic thermodynamics for the quantum trajectories of a continuously monitored forced harmonic oscillator coupled to a thermal reservoir. Consistent trajectory-dependent definitions are introduced for work, heat, and entropy, through engineering the thermal reservoir from a sequence of two-level systems. Within this formalism the connection between irreversibility and entropy production is analyzed and confirmed by proving a detailed fluctuation theorem for quantum trajectories. Finally, possible experimental verifications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Física Atómica, Molecular y Nuclear and GISC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Jordan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Horowitz
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D019277:Entropy; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009991:Oscillometry / Q000379:methods*; D011789:Quantum Theory; D013269:Stochastic Processes; D013816:Thermodynamics