Nonequilibrium Quantum Thermodynamics of a Particle Trapped in a Controllable Time-Varying Potential

08.02.2022

Researchers of the University of Belfast and the University of Vienna have joined forces to quantify the thermodynamic costs an irreversibilities associated with a non-linear quantum process. Using the a model of quantum thermodynamics applied to a particle trapped in a time-varying potential, they found a range of parameters to achieve coherence and superposition, and discuss possible experimental implementations.

The work can now be found in PRX Quantum.

Many advanced quantum techniques feature non-Gaussian dynamics, and the ability to manipulate
the system in that domain is the next-stage in many experiments. One example of meaningful
non-Gaussian dynamics is that of a double-well potential. Here we study the dynamics of a levitated
nanoparticle undergoing the transition from an harmonic potential to a double-well in a realistic
setting, subjecting to both thermalisation and localisation. We characterise the dynamics of the
nanoparticle from a thermodynamic point-of-view, investigating the dynamics with the Wehrl entropy
production and its rates. Furthermore, we investigate coupling regimes where the the quantum
e ect and thermal e ect are of the same magnitude, and look at suitable squeezing of the initial
state that provides the maximum coherence. The e ects and the competitions of the unitary and
the dissipative parts onto the system are demonstrated. We quantify the requirements to relate our
results to a bona de experiment with the presence of the environment, and discuss the experimental
interpretations of our results in the end.

 

Scientific Publication:

Qiongyuan Wu, Luca Mancino, Matteo Carlesso, Mario A. Ciampini, Lorenzo Magrini, Nikolai Kiesel, Mauro Paternostro, "Non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics of a particle trapped in a controllable time-varying potential"

DOI: 10.1103/PRXQuantum.3.010322

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