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Superadiabatic quantum friction suppression in finite-time thermodynamics
Shujin Deng1, Aurélia Chenu2, Pengpeng Diao1
1State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, P. R. China.
Science Advances
|May 3, 2018
Summary
Researchers suppressed quantum friction in thermal machines using shortcuts to adiabaticity. This friction-free superadiabatic process achieved work output equivalent to the ideal adiabatic value.
Area of Science:
- Quantum thermodynamics
- Quantum many-body systems
- Experimental physics
Background:
- Optimal performance of thermal machines requires minimizing energy losses, such as friction.
- Quantum friction arises in quantum thermodynamics from rapid changes (driving schemes) that create unwanted excitations.
- Controlling far-from-equilibrium dynamics in quantum devices is crucial for efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To suppress quantum friction in thermal machines.
- To experimentally demonstrate friction-free strokes using shortcuts to adiabaticity.
- To establish the relationship between superadiabatic work and adiabatic work.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing shortcuts to adiabaticity to tailor the dynamics of quantum systems.
- Employing a trapped unitary Fermi gas as the working substance in a quantum thermal machine.
- Performing superadiabatic strokes to drive the system rapidly without generating excitations.
Main Results:
- Experimental demonstration of friction-free superadiabatic strokes.
- Achieved superadiabatic work output equivalent to the adiabatic limit.
- Suppressed nonadiabatic excitations that cause quantum friction.
Conclusions:
- Shortcuts to adiabaticity offer a viable method for suppressing quantum friction.
- Friction-free quantum thermal machines can achieve work output comparable to ideal, slow processes.
- Experimental validation of theoretical predictions for controlling quantum friction.
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