Quantum effects improve the energy efficiency of feedback control

Abstract

The laws of thermodynamics apply equally well to quantum systems as to classical systems, and because of this quantum effects do not change the fundamental thermodynamic efficiency of isothermal refrigerators or engines. We show that, despite this fact, quantum mechanics permits measurement-based feedback control protocols that are more thermodynamically efficient than their classical counterparts. As part of our analysis we perform a detailed accounting of the thermodynamics of unitary feedback control, and elucidate the sources of inefficiency in measurement-based and coherent feedback.