Quantum thermodynamics of bosonic systems

Abstract

Recent advances in the coherent control of microscopic systems have allowed, for the first time, to explore the use of genuinely quantum mechanical resources, such as coherence and entanglement, in a broad range of tasks. In particular, recent results have shown that the use of these resources within a thermodynamic context may lead to sizable advantages in the operation of micro and mesoscopic devices, such as heat engines, batteries and refrigerators. Within this context, we propose in this project to continue the lines of research currently being pursued in our research group, involving quantum thermodynamics of continuous variable systems. Among the topics I propose to study are quantifiers of irreversibility for systems subject to non-equilibrium reservoirs, interconversion of thermal and quantum resources, transport in quantum chains and the operation of heat engines and absorption refrigerators. These themes are at the boundary between quantum information and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and form part of a growing effort in our grupo to thin out the gap between these two areas. The project will have an essential role in the development of several graduate-level students and will also aim at establishing closer ties between our group, recently established at the University of São Paulo, and other theoretical and experimental grupos in Brazil and abroad. (AU)