Quantum Thermodynamics

 

Thermodynamics is one of the main pillars of theoretical physics, and it has a special appeal of having wide applicability to a large variety of different physical systems. However, many assumptions in thermodynamics apply only to systems which are bulk material, i.e. consisting a large number of microscopic classical particles. Due to the advancement of designing nanoscale engines, especially in the light of devices that are used today in the processing of quantum information, is thermodynamics still applicable? Can we refine the core principles of thermodynamics to suit such nanoscale quantum systems as well?

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Quantifying resources, from thermodynamics to entanglement and beyond!
I worked on developing a theory of thermodynamics that is suitable for nanoscale quantum systems, even those as small and simple as a single qubit. One of my favourite approaches is the resource theoretic framework inspired by quantum information theory. With this framework that naturally adopts the first law as an energy preserving condition, we can show the refinement of both the zeroeth and second law of thermodynamics. Most notably, the second law sees refinement in the quantum nanoregime: a family of generalized free energies arise  as necessary conditions for a transition to occur. One can then utilize these laws in order to study heat engine efficiencies in the quantum regime!

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One of the main lines of interest currently is about the phenomenon of catalysis in quantum thermodynamics -- the fact that using an ancillary system provides us a means to bypass certain restrictions on thermodynamic state preparation! Furthermore, as we study this effect, we realized that the degree to which our catalyst degrades in the process leads to qualitatively different behaviours on the systems of interest. Catalysis not only exists in thermodynamics, but also entanglement theory and the manipulation of various quantum resources -- giving us a theoretical handle to study many different questions!

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Thermodynamics in many-body systems

Having delved deep into the resource-theoretic approach to quantum thermodynamics, my curiosity naturally extended to exploring its connections with other frameworks like fluctuation theorems and master equations. In the course of my postdoctoral endeavors, I ventured into the application of quantum thermodynamics to the realm of many-body physics. This journey involved delving into topics such as many-body localization and the cooling of Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) quasi-condensates in the challenging nanoKelvin temperature range. My fascination with these subjects just continues to grow :)

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Collaborating with our experimental partners, we embarked on a fascinating exploration of quantum gases as a compelling platform for witnessing thermodynamic operations. Our collective pursuit involves unraveling the intricate physics of cold gases and devising innovative methods to control and observe them. Together, we're pushing the boundaries of understanding and manipulating quantum systems, driving the forefront of research into new and exciting territories.