We calculate analytically the work distribution of a quantum harmonic oscillator with arbitrary time-dependent angular frequency. We provide detailed expressions for the work probability density for adiabatic and nonadiabatic processes, in the limits of low and high temperature. We further verify the validity of the quantum Jarzynski equality.

• Received 26 November 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.77.021128