Quantum Thermodynamic Framework to Advance Fault-Tolerant Quantum Science

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Quantum information science has reshaped our understanding of the universe by framing the fundamental laws of nature in terms of the evolution of information. This field has provided powerful mathematical tools to address open questions in physics while opening the door to novel technologies without classical counterparts. However, the current prototype devices at the forefront of technological advances are still far from the promised fully programmable universal quantum simulators. These current machines, known as Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices, are constrained by their susceptibility to errors, limited scalability, and, more importantly, the incomplete understanding of the underlying physics in multi-partite quantum systems. This research proposal aims to tackle a fascinating challenge: developing a theoretical thermodynamic framework to gain insights into error correction and mitigation in complex quantum systems, while addressing open questions from a thermodynamic perspective. Additionally, this project seeks to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical implementation. In this project, I will develop novel quantum error correction (QEC) approaches that optimize both information retention and energy efficiency, focusing on three key objectives: (1) Quantum Error Correction as a Thermodynamic Process: Reimagining QEC as a thermodynamic process through entropy management and cooling mechanisms, such as algorithmic cooling, to gain insights into fundamental questions and develop QEC codes optimized for resilience and energy efficiency. (2) Thermodynamic Understanding of Fault-Tolerant Thresholds: Integrating thermodynamic principles to understand the limitations of achieving more robust quantum protocols based on available resources. (3) Impact of Imperfect Timekeeping on QEC and Energy Costs: Investigating how imperfect timekeeping affects QEC performance, with a focus on reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.