Quantum vulnerabilities may undermine natural speed limits

A century and a half of physical paradoxes have found new life in the field of quantum because researchers have shown that while quantum mechanics can theoretically violate one of the fundamental laws of nature, it chooses not to do so. The discovery, published in NPJ quantum information, reveals the unexpected harmony between quantum theory and thermodynamics, which can reshape our understanding of these two fields.

Researchers at Nagoya University and the Slovakian Academy of Sciences have found that quantum theory technically allows for violation of the second law of thermodynamics, a cornerstone of physics that governs everything from engines to evolution. However, they also show that any quantum process can be designed to respect this law, which suggests an elegant coexistence between classical physics and quantum physics.

An old demon got a quantum makeover

The study reexamines the famous “Maxwell’s Demon” thought experiment in 1867, which proposed a hypothetical existence that could violate the second law of thermodynamics by classifying molecules based on velocity. The team developed a mathematical framework to analyze how this “devil” performs in quantum systems.

Shintaro Minagawa, one of the main researchers of the study, explained: “Our results show that under certain conditions allowed by quantum theory, the work extracted can exceed the work spent even with all costs, which seems to be a violation of the situation. The second law of thermodynamics.”

But, this discovery does not threaten to subvert physics, but reveals something deeper. “Our work shows that despite these theoretical vulnerabilities, it is still possible to design any quantum process so that it conforms to the second law,” said Hamed Mohammady, another author of the study.

Independence without conflict

Francesco Buscemi, one of the authors of the study, elaborated on this significance: “One thing we show in this article is that quantum theory is logically completely independent of the second law of thermodynamics, in logic. That is, it may be simply because it doesn’t know at all.” He added: “However, it’s also significant – any quantum process can be achieved without violating the second law of thermodynamics. This can be done by adding more The system is done until the thermodynamic equilibrium is restored.”

Actual meaning

This study goes beyond theoretical physics. By determining that quantum processes can be designed to respect thermodynamic limitations while still exploiting quantum effects, this study provides a key guide for the development of quantum technologies. This may affect the design of quantum computers and nanoscale engines, where understanding energy limitations is crucial.

The team’s mathematical analysis reveals precise equations of work extraction and expenditure in quantum systems that are expressed by quantum information measurements such as von Neumann entropy and Groenewold-Ozawa information gain. These tools provide a new framework for understanding the energy costs of quantum operations.

Looking to the future

The results show that quantum mechanics and thermodynamics can reconcile harmoniously despite their ability to operate independently. Such insights may be valuable as quantum technology develops, providing a way to exploit quantum effects while respecting the fundamental limitations of nature.

Research shows that thermodynamic principles can guide the design of more effective quantum systems rather than limiting the development of quantum technologies. As we dive deeper into the quantum field, an understanding of how to work internally rather than opposing thermodynamic constraints may be crucial for future innovation.