Quantum mechanical work

Regarded as one of the most fundamental concepts classical mechanics and thermodynamics, work has received well-grounded definitions within quantum framework since 1970s, having being successfully applied to many contexts. Recent developments on concept have taken place in emergent field where is frequently characterized a stochastic variable. Notwithstanding this remarkable progress, it still debatable whether some sensible notion can be posed for strictly instance involving few-particle system prepared pure state abandoned its closed autonomous dynamics. By treating mechanical observable with well defined limit, here we show that scenario satisfactorily materialized. We prove, by explicit examples, indeed assign eigensystems operators. This paves way frameworks superposition nonlocal steering work. also two-point measurement protocols inappropriate describe (and other two-time physical quantities), especially semiclassical regime. However subtle may be, our experimentally testable requires an updating intuition regarding elements reality. In context, derive work-energy uncertainty relation, illustrate how energy conservation emerges element