Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:1911.06838 · Quantum Studies Mathematics and Foundations

Quantum measurement engines and their relevance for quantum interpretations

Andrew N. Jordan, Cyril Elouard, Alexia Auffèves

Published Dec 23, 2019• 50 citations
arXivHTMLPDF
DOI
10.1007/s40509-019-00217-2

Related papers

Measurement-based quantum Otto engine with a two-spin system coupled by anisotropic interaction: Enhanced efficiency at finite times

Chayan Purkait, Asoka Biswas

We have studied the performance of a measurement-based quantum Otto engine (QOE) in a working system of two spins coupled by Heisenberg anisotropic interaction. A nonselective quantum measurement fuels the engine. We have calculated thermodynamic quantities of the cycle in terms of the transition probabilities between the instantaneous energy eigenstates, and also between the instantaneous energy eigenstates and the basis states of the measurement, when the unitary stages of the cycle operate for a finite time τ. The efficiency attains a large value in the limit of τ→0 and then gradually reaches the adiabatic value in a long-time limit τ→∞. For finite values of τ and for anisotropic interaction, an oscillatory behavior of the efficiency of the engine is observed. This oscillation can be interpreted in terms of interference between the relevant transition amplitudes in the unitary stages of the engine cycle. Therefore, for a suitable choice of timing of the unitary processes in the short time regime, the engine can have a higher work output and less heat absorption, such that it works more efficiently than a quasistatic engine. In the case of an always-on heat bath, in a very short time, the bath has a negligible effect on its performance.

arXiv:2304.05877•Physical review. E•May 8, 2023•17 citations

Characterizing Quantum Measurement

Science•Mar 7, 2013•0 citations

Quantum jump approach to microscopic heat engines

Paul Menczel, Christian Flindt, Kay Brandner

Modern technologies could soon make it possible to investigate the operation cycles of quantum heat engines by counting the photons that are emitted and absorbed by their working systems.Using the quantum jump approach to open-system dynamics, we show that such experiments would give access to a set of observables that determine the trade-off between power and efficiency in finite-time engine cycles.By analyzing the single-jump statistics of thermodynamic fluxes such as heat and entropy production, we obtain a family of general bounds on the power of microscopic heat engines.Our new bounds unify two earlier results and admit a transparent physical interpretation in terms of single-photon measurements.In addition, these bounds confirm that driving-induced coherence leads to an increase in dissipation that suppresses the efficiency of slowly driven quantum engines in the weak-coupling regime.A nanoscale heat engine based on a superconducting qubit serves as an experimentally relevant example and a guiding paradigm for the development of our theory.

arXiv:2005.12231•Physical Review Research•Sep 21, 2020•21 citations

The physics and the semantics of quantum measurement

Henry Margenau, James L Park

Foundations of Physics•Mar 1, 1973•16 citations

About a possible path towards the reverse engineering of quantum mechanics

Alberto Ottolenghi

An out of the box intellectual path exploring the foundations of quantum mechanics is discussed in some detail, in order to clarify why a possibly different way to look at the relevant fundamental questions can be identified and can support further research. Two key concepts arise. (1) Einstein critics to quantum mechanics could be taken seriously, but ironically, in order to really do so, one would have to take seriously also some of Lorentz critics to special relativity - both in a possibly more modern way; such interconnection possibly having been a blocking factor to openly discuss some of the cross implications of alternative views about quantum mechanics to date. (2) The probabilistic interpretation is a by-product of (a) quantum evolution equations, (b) conservation laws for the combination of measuring system and measured object and (c) persistency of calibration of the measuring system - as such there is no intellectual conflict whatsoever between hidden variables theories and probabilistic interpretation, provided we consider multicomponent hidden variable models and we allow for the existence of an underlying network. The implications of such concepts, in particular for the development of a microscopic quantisation program, are heuristically discussed or preliminarily explored.

arXiv:1111.5215•Nov 17, 2011•0 citations

Concepts and applications of quantum measurement

G. Andrew D. Briggs

•Jan 1, 2014•0 citations
We have studied the performance of a measurement-based quantum Otto engine (QOE) in a working system of two spins coupled by Heisenberg anisotropic interaction. A nonselective quantum measurement fuels the engine. We have calculated thermodynamic quantities of the cycle in terms of the transition probabilities between the instantaneous energy eigenstates, and also between the instantaneous energy eigenstates and the basis states of the measurement, when the unitary stages of the cycle operate for a finite time τ. The efficiency attains a large value in the limit of τ→0 and then gradually reaches the adiabatic value in a long-time limit τ→∞. For finite values of τ and for anisotropic interaction, an oscillatory behavior of the efficiency of the engine is observed. This oscillation can be interpreted in terms of interference between the relevant transition amplitudes in the unitary stages of the engine cycle. Therefore, for a suitable choice of timing of the unitary processes in the short time regime, the engine can have a higher work output and less heat absorption, such that it works more efficiently than a quasistatic engine. In the case of an always-on heat bath, in a very short time, the bath has a negligible effect on its performance.
Modern technologies could soon make it possible to investigate the operation cycles of quantum heat engines by counting the photons that are emitted and absorbed by their working systems.Using the quantum jump approach to open-system dynamics, we show that such experiments would give access to a set of observables that determine the trade-off between power and efficiency in finite-time engine cycles.By analyzing the single-jump statistics of thermodynamic fluxes such as heat and entropy production, we obtain a family of general bounds on the power of microscopic heat engines.Our new bounds unify two earlier results and admit a transparent physical interpretation in terms of single-photon measurements.In addition, these bounds confirm that driving-induced coherence leads to an increase in dissipation that suppresses the efficiency of slowly driven quantum engines in the weak-coupling regime.A nanoscale heat engine based on a superconducting qubit serves as an experimentally relevant example and a guiding paradigm for the development of our theory.
An out of the box intellectual path exploring the foundations of quantum mechanics is discussed in some detail, in order to clarify why a possibly different way to look at the relevant fundamental questions can be identified and can support further research. Two key concepts arise. (1) Einstein critics to quantum mechanics could be taken seriously, but ironically, in order to really do so, one would have to take seriously also some of Lorentz critics to special relativity - both in a possibly more modern way; such interconnection possibly having been a blocking factor to openly discuss some of the cross implications of alternative views about quantum mechanics to date. (2) The probabilistic interpretation is a by-product of (a) quantum evolution equations, (b) conservation laws for the combination of measuring system and measured object and (c) persistency of calibration of the measuring system - as such there is no intellectual conflict whatsoever between hidden variables theories and probabilistic interpretation, provided we consider multicomponent hidden variable models and we allow for the existence of an underlying network. The implications of such concepts, in particular for the development of a microscopic quantisation program, are heuristically discussed or preliminarily explored.