Quantum simulation of thermodynamics in an integrated quantum photonic processor

Year: 2023

Type: article

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.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38413-9

Authors: F. H. B. Somhorst, R. van der Meer, M. Correa Anguita, R. Schadow, H. J. Snijders, M. de Goede, B. Kassenberg, P. Venderbosch, C. Taballione, J. P. Epping, H. H. van den Vlekkert, J. Timmerhuis, J. F. F. Bulmer, J. Lugani, I. A. Walmsley, P. W. H. Pinkse, J. Eisert, N. Walk, J. J. Renema

Institutions: University of Twente, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Bristol, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,227

Funders: Foundational Questions Institute, European Commission, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes, QuantERA, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

OpenAlex ID: W4382794690