A hierarchy of thermodynamically consistent quantum operations

Abstract: In order to determine what quantum operations and measurements are consistent with the laws of thermodynamics, one must start by allowing all processes allowed by the framework of quantum theory, and then impose the laws of thermodynamics as a set of constraints. Here, we consider a hierarchy of quantum operations and measurements that are consistent with ($I$) the weak third law, ($II$) the strong third law, and ($III$) both the second and the third laws of thermodynamics, i.e., operations and measurements that are fully consistent with thermodynamics. Such characterisation allows us to identify which particular thermodynamic principle is responsible for the (un)attainability of a given quantum operation or measurement. In the case of channels, i.e., trace-preserving operations, we show that a channel belongs to ($I$) and ($II$) if and only if it is strictly positive and rank non-decreasing, respectively, whereas a channel belongs to ($III$) only if it is rank non-decreasing and does not perturb a strictly positive state. On the other hand, while thermodynamics does not preclude the measurability of any POVM, the realisable state-update rules for measurements are increasingly restricted as we go from ($I$) to ($III$).