Quantum Thermodynamics & Information

Nowadays, experiments control and manipulate systems as small as individual atoms. For such small systems, quantum and thermal fluctuations can be of similar magnitude, especially at cold temperatures. As a result, the thermodynamics of these systems comes with a distinct flavor and quirkiness of quantum mechanics. In our group, we take things even further by working in the regime of strong coupling. There, the usual Boltzmannian notion of thermality falls apart, making the physics we do even more interesting and close to reality. In particular, we work on:

• Nanoscale thermal machines, such as engines and refrigerators.

• Quantum batteries, which are systems that store useful energy in the form of work.

• Thermalization and entropy production in closed systems — manifestation of irreversibility in reversible dynamics.

Our theoretical research ranges from abstract foundational problems to simulations of concrete experiments. The experimental platforms we mostly work with are carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, NV centers, and optomechanical systems.