Quantum thermodynamics
Research lead: Janet Anders
This area of research focusses on the interplay of quantum and thermal fluctuations in quantum systems, and the extension of thermodynamics to the quantum regime.
Quantum thermodynamics research underpins technological developments that miniaturise to the nanoscale with applications expected for nano- and quantum machines, data storage, and quantum computation and communication.
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Current projects
Work in the quantum regime
Work and heat are energetic exchanges between a physical system with an external control and a heat bath, respectively. In classical thermodynamics they play a key role in establishing the efficiency of thermal machines, such as engines and fridges. We investigate how work and heat concepts generalize to the quantum regime where, unlike in the classical macroscopic world, superpositions between energetic states are possible.
Contact: Dr Janet Anders, Dr Thomas Philbin
References:
- “Coherence and measurement in quantum thermodynamics”, P. Kammerlander, J. Anders, Scientific Reports 6, 22174 (2016)
- “Observing a quantum Maxwell demon at work”, N. Cottet, S. Jezouin, L. Bretheau, P. Champagne-Ibarcq, Q. Ficheux, J. Anders, A. Auffèves, R. Azouit, P. Rouchon, B. Huard, PNAS 114, 7561 (2017).
- “Time-reversal symmetric work distributions for closed quantum dynamics in the histories framework” H.J.D. Miller, J. Anders, New Journal of Physics 19, 062001 (2017).
- “Measurement-dependent corrections to work distributions arising from quantum coherences” P. Solinas, H.J.D Miller, J. Anders, Phys. Rev. A 96, 052115 (2017).
- “Quantum work in the Bohmian framework” R. Sampaio, S. Suomela, T. Ala-Nissila, J. Anders, T.G. Philbin, Phys. Rev. A 97, 012131 (2018).
- “Leggett-Garg Inequalities for Quantum Fluctuating Work” H.J.D. Miller, J. Anders, Entropy 20, 200 (2018).
Thermodynamics beyond the weak coupling limit
Standard thermodynamics rests on the assumption that the physical system, such as an ideal gas, is only weakly coupled to its environment.
However, for nanoscale systems this assumption breaks down.
We investigate if an effective description of the system can be found, including interactions, such that thermodynamic laws and non-equilibrium fluctuation relations continue to hold.
Contact: Dr Janet Anders, Dr Thomas Philbin
References:
- “Energy-temperature uncertainty relation in quantum thermodynamics”, H.J.D Miller, J. Anders, Nature Comms. 9, 2203 (2018).
- “Entropy production and time-asymmetry in the presence of strong interactions”, H.J.D. Miller, J. Anders, Phys. Rev. E 95, 062123 (2017).
- “Thermal energies of classical and quantum damped oscillators coupled to reservoirs”, T. Philbin, J. Anders, J. Phys. A 49, 215303 (2016).
- “Landauer’s principle in the quantum regime”, S. Hilt, S. Shabbir, J. Anders, E. Lutz, Phys. Rev. E 83, 030102 (2011).
Temperature at the nanoscale
Measuring the temperature of nanoscale objects can be a challenge. In part, this is due to the inability to directly couple them to a gauged thermometer and even if this succeeds, this coupling can significantly affect the temperature readout.
We investigate new methods to infer the temperature and temperature gradients of nanoscale objects, such as heated nanospheres, taking into account non-equilibrium effects as well as finite size corrections.
Contact: Dr Janet Anders, Dr Thomas Philbin
References:
- “Nanoscale temperature measurements using non-equilibrium Brownian dynamics of a levitated nanosphere”, J. Millen, T. Deesuwan, P. Barker, J. Anders, Nature Nanotechnology 9, 25 (2014).
- “Energy-temperature uncertainty relation in quantum thermodynamics”, H.J.D Miller, J. Anders, Nature Comms. 9, 2203 (2018).
