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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
05:39
Scalable Quantum Integrated Circuits on Superconducting Two-Dimensional Electron Gas Platform
Published on: August 2, 2019
Maxwell's demon assisted thermodynamic cycle in superconducting quantum circuits
H T Quan1, Y D Wang, Yu-xi Liu
1Frontier Research System, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
Physical Review Letters
|December 13, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a novel quantum heat engine (QHE) enhanced by a Maxwell
Area of Science:
- Quantum thermodynamics
- Statistical mechanics
- Quantum information science
Background:
- Classical Maxwell's demon paradoxes are resolved by quantum mechanics.
- Quantum heat engines (QHEs) offer new avenues for energy conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel quantum heat engine (QHE) assisted by a Maxwell's demon.
- To derive the conditions for positive work and operation efficiency.
- To demonstrate the physical implementation and the demon's essential role.
Main Methods:
- The QHE operates in three steps: thermalization, quantum measurement, and Maxwell demon-controlled quantum feedback.
- Theoretical derivation of the positive-work condition and efficiency.
- Implementation using controllable superconducting quantum circuits.
Main Results:
- The composite QHE's positive-work condition and operational efficiency are derived.
- A practical construction of the QHE using superconducting circuits is proposed.
- The indispensable role of the Maxwell's demon in the QHE's operation is explicitly shown.
Conclusions:
- The proposed Maxwell demon-assisted QHE is theoretically sound and practically feasible.
- This work provides a new framework for understanding quantum thermodynamics and information engines.
- The demon's role is crucial for the engine's functionality, offering insights into quantum measurement and feedback.
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