From single-shot to general work extraction with bounded fluctuations in work

Understand

In the standard framework of thermodynamics the work produced or consumed in a process is a random variable whose average value is bounded by the change in the free energy of the system.

• This work is calculated without regard for the size of its fluctuations.
• We find that in some processes, such as reversible cooling, the fluctuations of the work can diverge.
• Small or fragile thermal machines may be unable to cope with large fluctuations.