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Reversing the thermodynamic arrow of time

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https://arxiv.org/pdf/1711.03323.pdf

Reversing the thermodynamic arrow of time using quantum correlations:
9 Nov 2017:

Abstract:

The second law permits the prediction of the direction of natural processes, thus defining a thermodynamic arrow of time. However, standard thermodynamics presupposes the absence of initial correlations between interacting systems. We here experimentally demonstrate the reversal of the arrow of time for two initially quantum correlated spins-1/2, prepared in local thermal states at different temperatures, employing a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance setup. We observe a spontaneous heat flow from the cold to the hot system. This process is enabled by a trade off between correlations and entropy that we quantify with information-theoretical quantities.
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In other words your cold cup of coffee will not heat itself up, but quantum systems seemingly do not adhere to such restraints.

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