Quantum work statistics of linear and nonlinear parametric oscillators

Abstract

We consider the nonequilibrium work distribution of a quantum oscillator with modulated angular frequency. We examine the discrete-to-continuous transition of the distribution as the temperature and the degree of nonadiabaticity of the frequency transformation are increased. We further develop a perturbative approach to analyze the effect of weak quartic anharmonicities, as well as of a random electric field on a charged oscillator. We find in both cases that the degree of nonadiabaticity is enhanced by the perturbation.