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Fluctuation theorems: Work is not an observable

Peter Talkner, Eric Lutz, and Peter Hänggi
Phys. Rev. E 75, 050102(R) – Published 16 May 2007

Abstract

The characteristic function of the work performed by an external time-dependent force on a Hamiltonian quantum system is identified with the time-ordered correlation function of the exponentiated system’s Hamiltonian. A similar expression is obtained for the averaged exponential work which is related to the free energy difference of equilibrium systems by the Jarzynski work theorem.

  • Received 7 March 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.75.050102

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Peter Talkner, Eric Lutz, and Peter Hänggi

  • Institute of Physics, University of Augsburg, D-86135 Augsburg, Germany

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Issue

Vol. 75, Iss. 5 — May 2007

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