Certifying quantum signatures in thermodynamics and metrology via contextuality of quantum linear response

Abstract

We identify a fundamental difference between classical and quantum dynamics in the linear response regime by showing that the latter is in general contextual. This allows us to provide an example of a quantum engine whose favorable power output scaling \emph{unavoidably} requires nonclassical effects in the form of contextuality. Furthermore, we describe contextual advantages for local metrology. Given the ubiquity of linear response theory, we anticipate that these tools will allow one to certify the nonclassicality of a wide array of quantum phenomena.