Abstract
Recent work by Teifel and Mahler [Eur. Phys. J. B 75, 275 (2010)] raises legitimate concerns regarding the validity of quantum nonequilibrium work relations in processes involving moving hard walls. We study this issue in the context of the rapidly expanding one-dimensional quantum piston. Utilizing exact solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, we find that the evolution of the wave function can be decomposed into static and dynamic components, which have simple semiclassical interpretations in terms of particle-piston collisions. We show that nonequilibrium work relations remain valid at any finite piston speed, provided both components are included, and we study explicitly the work distribution for this model system.
- Received 17 August 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.85.031102
©2012 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Quantum Pistons
Published 1 March 2012
Calculations reveal the relationship between work and free energy for a quantum particle contained in a box with a moving wall.
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