We explore the relationship between symmetry and entropy, distinguishing between symmetries of state and dynamical symmetries, and in the context of quantum thermodynamics between symmetries of pure and mixed states. Ultimately, we will argue that symmetry in thermodynamics is best understood as a means of control within the control theory paradigm, and we will describe an interesting technological application of symmetry-based control in the context of a quantum coherence capacitor. Symmetry, the concept from which Noether derived the conservation laws of physics, is one of the most important guiding principles of modern physics. Moreover, symmetry is often regarded as a form of order, and entropy is sometimes regarded as a measure of disorder, so it is natural to suppose that symmetry and entropy are related in some way. In this article, we will explore the relationship between symmetry and entropy, demonstrating that this relationship is by no means a simple one: in particular, it is important to distinguish between symmetries of state and dynamical symmetries, and in the context of quantum thermodynamics to distinguish between symmetries of pure and mixed states. Ultimately, we will argue that symmetry in thermodynamics is best understood as a means of control within the control theory paradigm, and we will describe an interesting technological application of symmetry-based control in the context of a quantum coherence capacitor.
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June 2022
Research Article|
June 10 2022
Symmetry and control in thermodynamics
Special Collection:
Quantum Thermodynamics
E. Adlam
;
E. Adlam
a)
1
Basic Research Community for Physics
, Leipzig, Germany
2
Western University
, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7
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L. Uribarri;
L. Uribarri
3
Etxea LLC
, Arlington, Texas 76010, USA
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N. Allen
N. Allen
4
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA and University of Queensland
, Brisbane, Australia
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a)
Electronic mail: eadlam90@gmail.com
Note: This paper is a part of the Special Topic Collection on Quantum Thermodynamics.
AVS Quantum Sci. 4, 022001 (2022)
Article history
Received:
August 02 2021
Accepted:
May 10 2022
Citation
E. Adlam, L. Uribarri, N. Allen; Symmetry and control in thermodynamics. AVS Quantum Sci. 1 June 2022; 4 (2): 022001. https://doi.org/10.1116/5.0065442
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