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:quant-ph/0310074

Energy Dissipation in Quantum Computers

Alex Granik, George Chapline

Published Oct 12, 2003• 0 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

A method is described for calculating the heat generated in a quantum computer due to loss of quantum phase information. Amazingly enough, this heat generation can take place at zero temperature. and may explain why it is impossible to extract energy from vacuum fluctuations. Implications for optical computers and quantum cosmology are also briefly discussed.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.quant-ph/0310074

Related papers

Generation and Preservation of Coherence in Dissipative Quantum Optical Environments

B. M. Garraway, P. L. Knight, Martin Bodo Plenio

We discuss the decay and decoherence of nonclassical states in quantum optics coupled to zero-temperature heat baths, and contrast ensemble behaviour with that of individual realizations. We show how nonclassical states are highly sensitive to dissipation in a number of cases, but present an example of how dissipation can be used to generate nonclassical states.

Physica Scripta•Jan 1, 1998•13 citations

Fluctuations and correlations

Tero Tapio Heikkilä

This chapter deals with noise: time-dependent fluctuation of observables at or out of equilibrium. The main emphasis is on current noise. The chapter explains the use of the correlation function, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, and thermal and vacuum fluctuations. It describes shot noise produced in out-of-equilibrium setups with a simple Schottky model, with the microscopic scattering and Boltzmann-Langevin approaches. The chapter also discusses the Langevin approach of describing coupling of noise in electrical circuits and a related description of noise measurements, and briefly explains the theory for cross correlations. The second part of the chapter discusses effects of noise on quantum systems – energy relaxation and dephasing. The chapter concludes by presenting the theory of full counting statistics and briefly describes heat current noise.

Oxford University Press eBooks•Jan 31, 2013•2 citations

Quantum computers, quantum computing, and quantum thermodynamics

Fabrizio Cleri

Quantum thermodynamics aims to extend standard thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical physics to systems with sizes well below the thermodynamic limit. It is a rapidly evolving research field that promises to change our understanding of the foundations of physics, while enabling the discovery of novel thermodynamic techniques and applications at the nanoscale. Thermal management has turned into a major obstacle in pushing the limits of conventional digital computers and could also represent a crucial issue for quantum computers. The practical realization of quantum computers with superconducting loops requires working at cryogenic temperatures to eliminate thermal noise, and ion-trap qubits also need low temperatures to minimize collisional noise. In both cases, the sub-nanometric sizes also bring about the thermal broadening of the quantum states; and even room-temperature photonic computers eventually require cryogenic detectors. A number of thermal and thermodynamic questions, therefore, take center stage, such as quantum re-definitions of work and heat, thermalization and randomization of quantum states, the overlap of quantum and thermal fluctuations, and many others, even including a proper definition of temperature for the small open systems constantly out of equilibrium that are the qubits. This overview provides an introductory perspective on a selection of current trends in quantum thermodynamics and their impact on quantum computers and quantum computing, with language that is accessible to postgraduate students and researchers from different fields.

arXiv:2404.09663•Frontiers in Quantum Science and Technology•Aug 12, 2024•17 citations

Can quantum computing be the solution to energy use in computation?

Elena Georgieva

Today, humanity cannot advance without the help of computation. There are still many problems that need resolving that would never be solved without the help of a powerful computer. It is also impossible to build a large enough memory to allow us to solve these complex problems. However, even if we manage to achieve the impossible, with the unprecedented rise of data and the ever-evolving complexity of algorithms, computing the answers in the traditional way would require billions of MWs of power consumption. Not to mention the energy required to cool down the powerful computers from the significant amount of heat they produce. Humanity is quickly reaching the limits of computations that can be currently achieved, raising concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact these power-hungry machines require. Enter quantum computing – the revolutionary technology holding the promise of not only enhancing computational speeds and capabilities but also potentially alleviating the energy burden imposed by traditional computing methods.

European Energy & Climate Journal•Mar 6, 2024•0 citations

Zero-Signal-Power Communication: Zero-Power Classical Communication, Zero-Quantum Quantum Communication and Environmental-Noise Communication

László B. Kish

A new physical way of communication, communication by the inherent background noise, is proposed which does not need net energy transfer in the information channel. The communicator devices do dissipate energy however they do not emit net energy into the channel, instead of that, they modulate the parameters of inherent spontaneous fluctuations in the channel. The new method can use two different mechanisms, thermal noise (Johnson-Nyquist noise) for classical communication, and vacuum fluctuations/zero point energy (quantum uncertainty noise) for quantum communication. The strongest advantage of the method that this is apparently the most hidden (stealth) way of communication, because it is using the inherent background noise for communication, therefore it is extremely difficult or impossible to discover its presence. Moreover, with proper wave-based arrangements, the sender and the receiver can easily detect eavesdropper activities, so that the eavesdropper is detected as soon as she extracts a single bit of information, thus the security of the method is at least as good or better than the security of quantum communication/quantum key distribution schemes. Finally, concerning practical applications, environmental noise, out of the fundamental/inherent fluctuations, can also be used for this kind of communication provided that is sufficiently stationary.

•Aug 18, 2005•0 citations

Quantum computers and dissipation

G. Massimo Palma, Kalle‐Antti Suominen, ARTUR K. EKERT

We analyse dissipation in quantum computation and its destructive impact on efficiency of quantum algorithms. Using a general model of decoherence, we study the time evolution of a quantum register of arbitrary length coupled with an environment of arbitrary coherence length. We discuss relations between decoherence and computational complexity and show that the quantum factorization algorithm must be modified in order to be regarded as efficient and realistic.

arXiv:quant-ph/9702001•Proceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences•Dec 31, 1996•898 citations
A method is described for calculating the heat generated in a quantum computer due to loss of quantum phase information. Amazingly enough, this heat generation can take place at zero temperature. and may explain why it is impossible to extract energy from vacuum fluctuations. Implications for optical computers and quantum cosmology are also briefly discussed.
This chapter deals with noise: time-dependent fluctuation of observables at or out of equilibrium. The main emphasis is on current noise. The chapter explains the use of the correlation function, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, and thermal and vacuum fluctuations. It describes shot noise produced in out-of-equilibrium setups with a simple Schottky model, with the microscopic scattering and Boltzmann-Langevin approaches. The chapter also discusses the Langevin approach of describing coupling of noise in electrical circuits and a related description of noise measurements, and briefly explains the theory for cross correlations. The second part of the chapter discusses effects of noise on quantum systems – energy relaxation and dephasing. The chapter concludes by presenting the theory of full counting statistics and briefly describes heat current noise.
Quantum thermodynamics aims to extend standard thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical physics to systems with sizes well below the thermodynamic limit. It is a rapidly evolving research field that promises to change our understanding of the foundations of physics, while enabling the discovery of novel thermodynamic techniques and applications at the nanoscale. Thermal management has turned into a major obstacle in pushing the limits of conventional digital computers and could also represent a crucial issue for quantum computers. The practical realization of quantum computers with superconducting loops requires working at cryogenic temperatures to eliminate thermal noise, and ion-trap qubits also need low temperatures to minimize collisional noise. In both cases, the sub-nanometric sizes also bring about the thermal broadening of the quantum states; and even room-temperature photonic computers eventually require cryogenic detectors. A number of thermal and thermodynamic questions, therefore, take center stage, such as quantum re-definitions of work and heat, thermalization and randomization of quantum states, the overlap of quantum and thermal fluctuations, and many others, even including a proper definition of temperature for the small open systems constantly out of equilibrium that are the qubits. This overview provides an introductory perspective on a selection of current trends in quantum thermodynamics and their impact on quantum computers and quantum computing, with language that is accessible to postgraduate students and researchers from different fields.
Today, humanity cannot advance without the help of computation. There are still many problems that need resolving that would never be solved without the help of a powerful computer. It is also impossible to build a large enough memory to allow us to solve these complex problems. However, even if we manage to achieve the impossible, with the unprecedented rise of data and the ever-evolving complexity of algorithms, computing the answers in the traditional way would require billions of MWs of power consumption. Not to mention the energy required to cool down the powerful computers from the significant amount of heat they produce. Humanity is quickly reaching the limits of computations that can be currently achieved, raising concerns about the sustainability and environmental impact these power-hungry machines require. Enter quantum computing – the revolutionary technology holding the promise of not only enhancing computational speeds and capabilities but also potentially alleviating the energy burden imposed by traditional computing methods.
A new physical way of communication, communication by the inherent background noise, is proposed which does not need net energy transfer in the information channel. The communicator devices do dissipate energy however they do not emit net energy into the channel, instead of that, they modulate the parameters of inherent spontaneous fluctuations in the channel. The new method can use two different mechanisms, thermal noise (Johnson-Nyquist noise) for classical communication, and vacuum fluctuations/zero point energy (quantum uncertainty noise) for quantum communication. The strongest advantage of the method that this is apparently the most hidden (stealth) way of communication, because it is using the inherent background noise for communication, therefore it is extremely difficult or impossible to discover its presence. Moreover, with proper wave-based arrangements, the sender and the receiver can easily detect eavesdropper activities, so that the eavesdropper is detected as soon as she extracts a single bit of information, thus the security of the method is at least as good or better than the security of quantum communication/quantum key distribution schemes. Finally, concerning practical applications, environmental noise, out of the fundamental/inherent fluctuations, can also be used for this kind of communication provided that is sufficiently stationary.