1,000 Logical Qubits. A Quantum Engine Smaller Than a Grain of Sand Built by Finnish Scientists
July 21, 7:00 PM
For context, quantum heat engines explore how quantum mechanics can improve energy conversion at microscopic scales, with potential implications for future computing and power systems. Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed the world’s first cyclic quantum heat engine, integrated directly onto a superconducting chip. This device, which is tinier than a single grain of sand, employs a transmon qubit as its working substance to convert heat into useful work at temperatures near absolute zero. The findings were published in Nature Communications.
Study Details and Key Results
The project was led by Academy Professor Mikko Möttönen. According to Tuomas Uusnäki, the study’s first author:
“In our experiment, we built a nanoscale heat engine from superconducting circuits and operated it inside a cryostat near absolute zero. At its heart is a transmon qubit, a fundamental building block of modern quantum technologies.”
The engine runs on the Otto cycle, enabling efficient conversion of heat into mechanical work. The team successfully ran the engine for up to three consecutive cycles, with a single controllable quantum refrigerator serving as both the hot and cold reservoir. Tuomas Uusnäki explained:
“Our quantum refrigerator can be tuned to either heat or cool the qubit as needed. By applying precisely calculated control pulses, we drove the engine through the Otto cycle and monitored the qubit’s state throughout operation.”
This marks the first experimental demonstration of a cyclic quantum heat engine built from superconducting circuits. The measured power output and efficiency closely matched computer simulations, confirming the accuracy and success of the experiments. Uusnäki also noted that “using a single controllable quantum refrigerator for both hot and cold reservoirs simplifies the design and makes it more flexible.”
This scientific breakthrough opens up new possibilities for advancing quantum technologies, with potential applications in areas such as energy systems and computing. The development of compact, efficient quantum engines could significantly shape the future of quantum-based technologies and drive further research in this field.
As advancements in quantum technology continue to emerge, the exploration of concepts like reversing time at the quantum level presents intriguing possibilities. Understanding these innovations not only sheds light on fundamental physics but also paves the way for future applications in computing and energy systems, much like the recent development of the cyclic quantum heat engine.