Quantum Thermodynamics in the Solid-state

ongoing

I propose to realize an electromechanical engine in the solid state, opening a new era of experimental exploration of thermodynamics in open quantum systems. This project leverages recent breakthroughs in the nanoscale, my own advances in quantum devices and the extraordinary control and measurement of the vibrations and displacement which I have established in carbon nanotubes. The theory of thermodynamics, commonly associated with the steam engines of the 19th century, is a universal set of laws that governs everything from black holes to the evolution of life. With modern technologies miniaturising devices to the atomic scale, thermodynamics has to be put to the test in a completely new realm. Quantum thermodynamics is a rapidly advancing field of physics, but its theoretical development is presently far ahead of experimental tests. However, rapid breakthroughs in nanoscale fabrication and measurement are now presenting us with the opportunity to develop concrete experimental foundations for exploring quantum-thermodynamic processes. Understanding the peculiarities of thermodynamics in the quantum arena will be key for the construction of nanomachines, for energy harvesting, and to master the dissipation and thermalisation of quantum systems. It will also improve the engineering basis of quantum technologies by allowing fully informed choices on device design and optimisation and it may reveal possibilities for entirely novel technologies. Realising these experiments, while now within reach, remains challenging due to the sophistication of the devices and the high-level control and measurement sensitivity that are required. My vision is to combine semiconductor qubit technology with my recent advances in nanoelectromechanical devices, to build an on-chip electromechanical engine that can access the quantum regime. My aim is to achieve unprecedented access to the particularities of thermodynamics at the nanoscale and pave the way for quantum nanomachines.