Measuring thermodynamic quantities at the nanoscale

The project is directed to answer questions related to the efficiency and power of quantum engines, with views to advance the field of quantum thermodynamics. This research is important to energy harvesting, dissipation and thermalisation of quantum systems, and the study of quantum work, quantum fluctuations and autonomous machines. Apart from a fundamental perspective, it has impact in technology miniaturised to the nanoscale, informing the operation and design of devices and nanomachines. It could also inform the interplay between spin, charge and heat currents and advance the understanding of quantum batteries. It might be important in the study of biomotors and the preservation of coherence in nosy environments, and it might uncover new opportunities for technologies that harness quantum thermodynamics effects.

This project will focus on measuring the thermodynamic cost of quantum information processing. Jonathan will build a platform in the solid state to realize engines that can enable the study of thermodynamics in open quantum systems. In particular, he will answer the question: what is the efficiency of an engine in which quantum effects arise?

Thermodynamics is one of physics' most solid pillars. It underpinned the industrial revolution and impacts nearly all fields of science and engineering. But little is known about the thermodynamics of quantum devices evolving, fluctuating and coupling to each other and to the environment. Open questions range from the definition of work in the quantum regime to the efficiency of quantum thermodynamic cycles. Classical thermodynamics has been established since the 19th century; quantum thermodynamics is now blossoming in the theoretical domain, but is still in its infancy experimentally, due to the lack of control over thermodynamic processes in this regime. Jonathan will harness the capabilities of solid-state hybrid devices to provide a platform to answer the most pressing questions in the thermodynamics of open quantum systems. Solid-state circuits have been explored extensively for the realisation of qubit devices, with governments and companies worldwide, including Google, Microsoft, Intel and IBM, investing substantially to unleash their potential for quantum computing. Jonathan will be the first to use semiconductor qubit technology for quantum engine experiments.

This project is key to unleash the potential of quantum thermodynamics by enabling the measurement of thermodynamic quantities in quantum devices. This project falls within the EPSRC Physical sciences and Quantum technologies research areas.

Jonathan will work closely with Prof Alexia Auffèves (Institut Néel, France), Prof Janet Anders (Exeter University, UK) and Prof Juan Parrondo (Universidad Complutende de Madrid, Spain) on the theory of the thermodynamic of quantum information processing. He will also collaborate with Prof Owen Maroney (University of Oxford) to understand the role of quantum information in thermodynamic processes.