Thermodynamics of Quantum Feedback Cooling

This is the final version. Available on open access from MDPI via the DOI in this reocrdThe ability to initialize quantum registers in pure states lies at the core of many applications of quantum technologies, from sensing to quantum information processing and computation. In this paper, we tackle the problem of increasing the polarization bias of an ensemble of two-level register spins by means of joint coherent manipulations, involving a second ensemble of ancillary spins and energy dissipation into an external heat bath. We formulate this spin refrigeration protocol, akin to algorithmic cooling, in the general language of quantum feedback control, and identify the relevant thermodynamic variables involved. Our analysis is two-fold: on the one hand, we assess the optimality of the protocol by means of suitable figures of merit, accounting for both its work cost and effectiveness; on the other hand, we characterise the nature of correlations built up between the register and the ancilla. In particular, we observe that neither the amount of classical correlations nor the quantum entanglement seem to be key ingredients fuelling our spin refrigeration protocol. We report instead that a more general indicator of quantumness beyond entanglement, the so-called quantum discord, is closely related to the cooling performance.COST ActionUniversity of NottinghamSpanish MINECOGeneralitat de Catalunya Consejo Interdepartamental de Investigación e Innovación TecnológicaAcademy of FinlandFoundational Questions InstituteEuropean Research Counci

Quantum Thermodynamics

Quantum thermodynamics is an emerging research field aiming to extend standard thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical physics to ensembles of sizes well below the thermodynamic limit, in non-equilibrium situations, and with the full inclusion of quantum effects. Fuelled by experimental advances and the potential of future nanoscale applications this research effort is pursued by scientists with different backgrounds, including statistical physics, many-body theory, mesoscopic physics and quantum information theory, who bring various tools and methods to the field. A multitude of theoretical questions are being addressed ranging from issues of thermalisation of quantum systems and various definitions of "work", to the efficiency and power of quantum engines. This overview provides a perspective on a selection of these current trends accessible to postgraduate students and researchers alike.Comment: 48 pages, improved and expanded several sections. Comments welcom

The role of quantum information in thermodynamics --- a topical review

This topical review article gives an overview of the interplay between quantum information theory and thermodynamics of quantum systems. We focus on several trending topics including the foundations of statistical mechanics, resource theories, entanglement in thermodynamic settings, fluctuation theorems and thermal machines. This is not a comprehensive review of the diverse field of quantum thermodynamics; rather, it is a convenient entry point for the thermo-curious information theorist. Furthermore this review should facilitate the unification and understanding of different interdisciplinary approaches emerging in research groups around the world.Comment: published version. 34 pages, 6 figure

Quantum Thermodynamics

Quantum thermodynamics addresses the emergence of thermodynamical laws from quantum mechanics. The link is based on the intimate connection of quantum thermodynamics with the theory of open quantum systems. Quantum mechanics inserts dynamics into thermodynamics giving a sound foundation to finite-time-thermodynamics. The emergence of the 0-law I-law II-law and III-law of thermodynamics from quantum considerations is presented. The emphasis is on consistence between the two theories which address the same subject from different foundations. We claim that inconsistency is the result of faulty analysis pointing to flaws in approximations

Time-Optimal Frictionless Atom Cooling in Harmonic Traps

Frictionless atom cooling in harmonic traps is formulated as a time-optimal control problem and a synthesis of optimal controlled trajectories is obtained. This work has already been used to determine the minimum time for transition between two thermal states and to show the emergence of the third law of classical thermodynamics from quantum thermodynamics. It can also find application in the fast adiabatic-like expansion of Bose-Einstein condensates, with possible applications in atom interferometry. This paper is based on our recently published article in SIAM J. Control Optim.Comment: Submitted to 51st IEEE Conference on Decision and Control as a SIAM regular paper, it is a shorter version of our recently published article in SIAM J. Control Optim., vol. 49, pp. 2440-2462, 2011. It contains an elegant proof of the main technical point using the symmetries of the system, and a discussion of the implications of the results on finite time thermodynamic processe

Thermodynamics and Chemistry of the Early Universe

The interplay between chemistry and thermodynamics determines the final outcome of the process of gravitational collapse and sets the conditions for the formation of the first cosmological objects, including primordial supermassive black holes. In this chapter, we will review the main chemical reactions and the most important heating/cooling processes taking place in a gas of primordial composition, including the effects of local and cosmological radiation backgrounds.Comment: Preprint of the Chapter "Thermodynamics and Chemistry of the Early Universe", to be published in the review volume "Formation of the First Black Holes", Latif M. and Schleicher D.R.G., eds., World Scientific Publishing Company, 2018, pp. [see http://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/10652

Narrow Line Cooling and Momentum-Space Crystals

Narrow line laser cooling is advancing the frontier for experiments ranging from studies of fundamental atomic physics to high precision optical frequency standards. In this paper, we present an extensive description of the systems and techniques necessary to realize 689 nm 1S0 - 3P1 narrow line cooling of atomic 88Sr. Narrow line cooling and trapping dynamics are also studied in detail. By controlling the relative size of the power broadened transition linewidth and the single-photon recoil frequency shift, we show that it is possible to continuously bridge the gap between semiclassical and quantum mechanical cooling. Novel semiclassical cooling process, some of which are intimately linked to gravity, are also explored. Moreover, for laser frequencies tuned above the atomic resonance, we demonstrate momentum-space crystals containing up to 26 well defined lattice points. Gravitationally assisted cooling is also achieved with blue-detuned light. Theoretically, we find the blue detuned dynamics are universal to Doppler limited systems. This paper offers the most comprehensive study of narrow line laser cooling to date.Comment: 14 pages, 19 figure

Thermodynamics of adiabatic feedback control

We study adaptive control of classical ergodic Hamiltonian systems, where the controlling parameter varies slowly in time and is influenced by system's state (feedback). An effective adiabatic description is obtained for slow variables of the system. A general limit on the feedback induced negative entropy production is uncovered. It relates the quickest negentropy production to fluctuations of the control Hamiltonian. The method deals efficiently with the entropy-information trade off.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figur