Thermodynamics of continuously monitored quantum harmonic oscillators

• Grant number: 21/05396-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2021
• End date: December 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Luis Gregório Godoy de Vasconcellos Dias da Silva
• Grantee: Alberto Jônatas Bezerra da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project proposes a theoretical and original assessment of the thermodynamic properties of quantum systems subject to continuous measurements. This is currently one of the main methods used in quantum coherent experiments. However, its thermodynamic aspects are only now starting to be understood. This project is relevant, as it treats an extremely current topic of research, which is of both theoretical and experimental interest. More concretely, the focus will be on the quantum harmonic oscillator, a paradigmatic system in quantum mechanics undergraduate courses. The student will examine the effects of different continuous measurement protocols, and apply recent results developed in the group of Prof. Landi on how to characterize this system thermodynamically. As the main application, the student will use this to build a quantum high-precision thermometer, which may have a non-trivial impact in fields such as trapped ions. (AU)