RESEARCH LINES
Energetics of Quantum Information Processing
What is the thermodynamic cost of information processing and computation on quantum hardware
Quantum Stochastic Thermodynamics
Developing a theory of thermodynamics for far from equilibrium quantum systems
Thermalisation and Transport in Complex Systems
How to understand transport of heat and emergence of thermodynamics in complex many-body systems
Quantum Simulation
How to simulate equilibrium and non-equillibrium thermodynamics of quantum many-body properties on quantum computers
Energetics of Quantum Information Processing
Nascent quantum technologies, such as quantum computation, promise to revolutionize the way we communicate, process, and store information. They work by exploiting the quantum behaviour of microscopic objects like atoms and photons, which can be put into bizarre states of superposition where several contradictory properties coexist. This unique operating principle calls for a completely new understanding of the energetics of information processing. How much energy does it cost to apply a quantum logic gate, or to erase information stored in a quantum memory? Our group tries to answer questions like these, which impact the feasibility and sustainability of next-generation quantum technologies. Doing so requires us to revisit established concepts in thermodynamics and information theory, and update them for the 21st century.
Quantum Stochastic Thermodynamics
Experimental physics has reached a stage where individual quantum systems, such as single molecules, can be manipulated and measured in the laboratory. Their tiny size makes these systems attractive for many applications, e.g. as non-invasive sensors or energy-harvesting devices. However, any small system is continuously buffeted by thermal noise, leading to significant fluctuations that can affect device operation. Crucially, though, these fluctuations are not completely random as they are governed by the laws of stochastic thermodynamics, a theory which generalizes notions such as work, heat and entropy production to the nanoscale. Research in our group develops the theory of stochastic thermodynamics for quantum systems. We aim to uncover the fundamental principles dictating the performance of quantum machines operating far from equilibrium. We apply our results to a variety of different physical setups, including trapped ions, mesoscopic electronic circuits, and nano-mechanical oscillators.
Thermalisation and transport in complex systems
Irreversibility is a familiar feature of the everyday world: a hot cup of coffee inevitably cools down but never spontaneously warms itself back up again. Yet the origin of irreversibility from the fundamental laws of physics is one of the most famous and enduring mysteries in all of science. A major focus of our group is understanding how irreversible behaviour emerges in complex quantum systems that comprise many interacting constituents. We develop advanced algorithms to simulate the behaviour of such systems, allowing us to unravel the microscopic features that give rise to thermalisation, diffusion, and chaos — the hallmarks of irreversibility. These insights help to understand cutting-edge experiments on isolated quantum many-body systems, such as ultracold atomic gases and trapped-ion crystals.