A simple model of an autonomous quantum clock yields a quantitative connection between the clock’s thermodynamic cost and its accuracy and resolution.

Viewpoint on:
Paul Erker et al.
Phys. Rev. X 7, 031022 (2017)

A new model extends the definition of causality to quantum-mechanical systems.

Viewpoint on:
John-Mark A. Allen et al.
Phys. Rev. X 7, 031021 (2017)

Two experimental groups have taken a step towards observing the “scrambling” of information that occurs as a many-body quantum system thermalizes.  

Viewpoint on:
Jun Li et al.
Phys. Rev. X 7, 031011 (2017)

Guest Editor: Massimiliano Esposito
PRX brings to readers a collection of outstanding papers that showcase some of the most active and promising research directions in the field of stochastic thermodynamics.

The stochastic thermodynamic properties of an isothermal Brownian engine consisting of a micron-sized colloidal particle are calculated analytically and tested experimentally.

Biomolecular networks capable of counting time can be thought of as “Brownian clocks.” The energy budgets necessary to run two classes of such clocks, assuming some minimal required precision, are theoretically determined.

Thermodynamics describes how macroscopic systems exchange energy in the form of heat and work, yet many microscopic systems such as molecular motors exhibit behavior that seems to follow the same principles. A new theoretical framework for describing the thermodynamics of microscopic systems that interact strongly with their surroundings is presented.

Nanomachines are subject to random thermal and quantum fluctuations that are not captured by traditional thermodynamic theory. A new theoretical investigation offers a step toward a unified nanoscale theory by showing how externally prepared systems (e.g., atoms in an optical cavity or DNA bases in an enzyme reaction) that interact with a nanoscopic device can be a source of nonequilbrium free energy.

Both computers and living cells copy information, but doing so comes at a cost of energy. A new theoretical analysis shows that biological systems come close to but do not reach the predicted lower bound on this energy, and that the cost increases as copying becomes more accurate.

Stochastic thermodynamics extends the traditional laws of thermodynamics to microscopic systems where thermal and quantum fluctuations cannot be ignored. This review summarizes progress in this field with a look at several experimental and theoretical results and a look toward potential applications in biology and nanotechnology.