Thermodynamics of non-Equilibrium systems

Quantum thermodynamics sheds new light on the laws of thermodynamics in the quantum regime. At the nanoscale, the presence of quantum coherence and correlations ask for the notions of work, heat, and other standard variables in thermodynamics to be revisited. Recent work in our group provides a definition that is physically relevant, and consistent with the laws of thermodynamics.

The project aims to build on these recent results to characterize the thermodynamics of complex quantum systems. Knowledge of the system’s thermodynamics will be used to design a dynamical scheme that allows for the control and optimization of a quantum heat engine. Thereby, the student will learn tools from open quantum systems, and develop skills in advanced quantum mechanics and statistical physics.