Thermodynamic efficiency from fluctuations and correlations
Carnot’s theorem bounds the efficiency of heat engines in terms of reservoir temperatures. What additional constraints emerge when we account for the statistical properties and dynamics of the working medium? In this talk, I will present an information-theoretic framework that bounds thermodynamic efficiency through fluctuations and correlations involving the Hamiltonian, the state, and its time evolution. The bounds apply to classical and quantum engines and can be saturated even in finite-time, irreversible cycles. In the reversible limit, the framework recovers a generalization of Carnot’s expression involving entropy-weighted reservoir temperatures. I will conclude with ongoing work on geometric efficiency bounds for sets of cycles subject to shared statistical and dynamical constraints. This perspective explores how partial information can constrain engine performance and support comparisons between admissible protocols.
This IFISC Seminar will be broadcasted in the following zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89466064429?pwd=po9p99eAEYVPaNI8xIIGoOIz0hOqaF.1
Coffee and cookies will be served 15 minutes before the start of the seminar
Contact details:
Gonzalo Manzano Contact form