Extending quantum detailed balance through optimal transport

Abstract

We develop a general framework for studying classes of quantum dynamical systems that are close to and structurally similar to other systems satisfying specified properties, in particular, quantum detailed balance conditions. This is done in terms of optimal transport plans and Wasserstein distances between systems on possibly different observable algebras. Basic metric properties of Wasserstein distances are proven. As a possible application of our framework to non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, bounds on deviations from detailed balance are derived.