Complete Characterization of State Conversions by Work Extraction
Abstract
We introduce a thermodynamic work-extraction task that describes the energy storage enhancement of quantum systems. This task induces majorizationlike conditions that provide a necessary and sufficient characterization of state conversions in general quantum resource theories. When applied to specific resources, these conditions reduce to the majorization conditions under unital channels and provide a thermodynamic version of Nielsen's theorem in entanglement theory. We show how this result establishes the first universal resource certification class based on thermodynamics, and how it can be employed to quantify general quantum resources based on work extraction.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation
Formal Methods in Verification
Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 137
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 070403–070403
- Publication date
- 7 July 2026
- Language
- EN