Coherence generating power of unitary transformations via probabilistic average

We study the ability of a quantum channel to generate quantum coherence when it applies to incoherent states. Based on probabilistic averages, we define a measure of such coherence generating power (CGP) for a generic quantum channel, based on the average coherence generated by the quantum channel acting on a uniform ensemble of incoherent states. Explicit analytical formula of the CGP for any unitary channels are presented in terms of subentropy. An upper bound for CGP of unital quantum channels has been also derived. Detailed examples are investigated.Comment: 16 pages, 2 figures, LaTeX, accepted versio

Quantum Correlations and Global Coherence in Distributed Quantum Computing

Deviations from classical physics when distant quantum systems become correlated are interesting both fundamentally and operationally. There exist situations where the correlations enable collaborative tasks that are impossible within the classical formalism. Here, we consider the efficiency of quantum computation protocols compared to classical ones as a benchmark for separating quantum and classical resources and argue that the computational advantage of collaborative quantum protocols in the discrete variable domain implies the nonclassicality of correlations. By analysing a toy model, it turns out that this argument implies the existence of quantum correlations distinct from entanglement and discord. We characterize such quantum correlations in terms of the net global coherence resources inherent within quantum states and show that entanglement and discord can be understood as special cases of our general framework. Finally, we provide an operational interpretation of such correlations as those allowing two distant parties to increase their respective local quantum computational resources only using locally incoherent operations and classical communication.Comment: Minor modifications and correction

Coherifying quantum channels

Is it always possible to explain random stochastic transitions between states of a finite-dimensional system as arising from the deterministic quantum evolution of the system? If not, then what is the minimal amount of randomness required by quantum theory to explain a given stochastic process? Here, we address this problem by studying possible coherifications of a quantum channel $\Phi$, i.e., we look for channels $\Phi^{\mathcal{C}}$ that induce the same classical transitions $T$, but are "more coherent". To quantify the coherence of a channel $\Phi$ we measure the coherence of the corresponding Jamio{\l}kowski state $J_{\Phi}$. We show that the classical transition matrix $T$ can be coherified to reversible unitary dynamics if and only if $T$ is unistochastic. Otherwise the Jamio{\l}kowski state $J_\Phi^{\mathcal{C}}$ of the optimally coherified channel is mixed, and the dynamics must necessarily be irreversible. To assess the extent to which an optimal process $\Phi^{\mathcal{C}}$ is indeterministic we find explicit bounds on the entropy and purity of $J_\Phi^{\mathcal{C}}$, and relate the latter to the unitarity of $\Phi^{\mathcal{C}}$. We also find optimal coherifications for several classes of channels, including all one-qubit channels. Finally, we provide a non-optimal coherification procedure that works for an arbitrary channel $\Phi$ and reduces its rank (the minimal number of required Kraus operators) from $d^2$ to $d$.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures. Published versio

The second law of quantum thermodynamics as an equality

We investigate the connection between recent results in quantum thermodynamics and fluctuation relations by adopting a fully quantum mechanical description of thermodynamics. By including a work system whose energy is allowed to fluctuate, we derive a set of equalities which all thermodynamical transitions have to satisfy. This extends the condition for maps to be Gibbs-preserving to the case of fluctuating work, providing a more general characterisation of maps commonly used in the information theoretic approach to thermodynamics. For final states, block diagonal in the energy basis, this set of equalities are necessary and sufficient conditions for a thermodynamical state transition to be possible. The conditions serves as a parent equation which can be used to derive a number of results. These include writing the second law of thermodynamics as an equality featuring a fine-grained notion of the free energy. It also yields a generalisation of the Jarzynski fluctuation theorem which holds for arbitrary initial states, and under the most general manipulations allowed by the laws of quantum mechanics. Furthermore, we show that each of these relations can be seen as the quasi-classical limit of three fully quantum identities. This allows us to consider the free energy as an operator, and allows one to obtain more general and fully quantum fluctuation relations from the information theoretic approach to quantum thermodynamics.Comment: 11+3 pages. V4: Updated to match published version. Discussion of thermo-majorization and implementing arbitary unitaries added. V3: Added funding information. V2: Expanded discussion on relation to fluctuation theorem

Toward physical realizations of thermodynamic resource theories

Conventional statistical mechanics describes large systems and averages over many particles or over many trials. But work, heat, and entropy impact the small scales that experimentalists can increasingly control, e.g., in single-molecule experiments. The statistical mechanics of small scales has been quantified with two toolkits developed in quantum information theory: resource theories and one-shot information theory. The field has boomed recently, but the theorems amassed have hardly impacted experiments. Can thermodynamic resource theories be realized experimentally? Via what steps can we shift the theory toward physical realizations? Should we care? I present eleven opportunities in physically realizing thermodynamic resource theories.Comment: Publication information added. Cosmetic change