Investigating coherence and quantum correlations in non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamic processes

• Grant number: 24/12957-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - General Physics
• Principal Investigator: Roberto Menezes Serra
• Grantee: Bruno Piveta Schnepper
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

We are witnessing the accelerated development of quantum 2.0 technologies and Quantum Thermodynamics must play a fundamental role, imposing limits and restrictions on the efficiency of machines and new quantum devices. Considering this scenario, the present research project incorporates theoretical and experimental aspects with the aim of exploring the influence of quantum characteristics on non-equilibrium thermodynamic processes. Particularly, we intend to advance in the understand of the role of quantum coherence in some thermodynamic processes and obtain relationships that contemplate this non-classical feature, to then investigate how to use coherence to obtain advantages over the classical analogue of the process in question. The processes studied will mainly be heat transfer. From an experimental point of view, we intend to verify the role of coherence in the production of entropy in non-equilibrium dynamics using spin qubits and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques.