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Quantum simulation of thermodynamics in an integrated quantum photonic processor

Author

Listed:
  • F. H. B. Somhorst

    (University of Twente)

  • R. Meer

    (University of Twente)

  • M. Correa Anguita

    (University of Twente)

  • R. Schadow

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • H. J. Snijders

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • M. Goede

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • B. Kassenberg

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • P. Venderbosch

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • C. Taballione

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • J. P. Epping

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • H. H. Vlekkert

    (QuiX Quantum B.V.)

  • J. Timmerhuis

    (University of Twente)

  • J. F. F. Bulmer

    (University of Bristol)

  • J. Lugani

    (IIT Delhi)

  • I. A. Walmsley

    (Imperial College London
    University of Oxford)

  • P. W. H. Pinkse

    (University of Twente)

  • J. Eisert

    (Freie Universität Berlin
    Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie
    Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute)

  • N. Walk

    (Freie Universität Berlin)

  • J. J. Renema

    (University of Twente
    QuiX Quantum B.V.)

Abstract

One of the core questions of quantum physics is how to reconcile the unitary evolution of quantum states, which is information-preserving and time-reversible, with evolution following the second law of thermodynamics, which, in general, is neither. The resolution to this paradox is to recognize that global unitary evolution of a multi-partite quantum state causes the state of local subsystems to evolve towards maximum-entropy states. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate this effect in linear quantum optics by simultaneously showing the convergence of local quantum states to a generalized Gibbs ensemble constituting a maximum-entropy state under precisely controlled conditions, while introducing an efficient certification method to demonstrate that the state retains global purity. Our quantum states are manipulated by a programmable integrated quantum photonic processor, which simulates arbitrary non-interacting Hamiltonians, demonstrating the universality of this phenomenon. Our results show the potential of photonic devices for quantum simulations involving non-Gaussian states.

Suggested Citation

  • F. H. B. Somhorst & R. Meer & M. Correa Anguita & R. Schadow & H. J. Snijders & M. Goede & B. Kassenberg & P. Venderbosch & C. Taballione & J. P. Epping & H. H. Vlekkert & J. Timmerhuis & J. F. F. Bul, 2023. "Quantum simulation of thermodynamics in an integrated quantum photonic processor," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38413-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38413-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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