Research & Teaching - Uttam Singh

1. Quantum Thermodynamics

With our ever-increasing ability to manipulate and control small quantum systems, coupled with rapid advancements in technology, it has become essential to develop a deeper understanding of the energetics of these systems. Classical thermodynamics, applied to describe macroscopic systems in or near equilibrium, is insufficient for capturing the intricate behaviors and unique features of small quantum systems. This inadequacy has led to the rise of quantum thermodynamics, a field that seeks to generalize thermodynamic principles to the quantum realm, where phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and coherence fundamentally alter traditional notions of work and heat.

Image Credit: Quanta Magazine

Our research in this emerging field focuses on establishing a consistent theoretical framework to describe energy exchanges in quantum systems, particularly in nonequilibrium scenarios at microscopic scales. The dynamics of such systems require rethinking traditional thermodynamic concepts to account for quantum effects and stochastic fluctuations. To address these challenges, we are particularly interested in two complementary approaches:

Quantum Resource Theories: This formalism provides a systematic framework for quantifying and processing quantum resources such as coherence, entanglement, and asymmetry. By extending the concept of resource interconversions to energy exchanges, this approach allows us to characterize the limitations and possibilities for thermodynamic processes in quantum systems under given physical constraints.

Quantum Stochastic Processes: This approach focuses on the probabilistic nature of quantum dynamics, incorporating tools like quantum master equations and trajectory-based descriptions. By analyzing how quantum systems interact with their environments and evolve over time, this methodology sheds light on nonequilibrium processes, quantum fluctuations, and entropy production, offering valuable insights into the thermodynamics of open quantum systems.

In addition to developing foundational aspects of quantum thermodynamics, our research aims to explore the energetic costs of quantum computation and quantum technologies, in general. Understanding these costs is essential for identifying the conditions under which quantum devices offer energetic advantages over their classical counterparts. Much like the pursuit of quantum supremacy, where quantum systems outperform classical systems in computational tasks, we aim to uncover the potential for energetic supremacy—situations where quantum devices demonstrate superior energy efficiency or reduced thermodynamic costs. By addressing these questions, we hope to provide a rigorous basis for assessing the practical benefits of quantum technologies in terms of both performance and energy consumption, paving the way for sustainable and efficient quantum innovations.

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