학술논문
Quantum simulation of thermodynamics in an integrated quantum photonic processor
Document Type
Working Paper
Author
Somhorst, F. H. B.; van der Meer, R.; Anguita, M. Correa; Schadow, R.; Snijders, H. J.; de Goede, M.; Kassenberg, B.; Venderbosch, P.; Taballione, C.; Epping, J. P.; Vlekkert, H. H. van den; Timmerhuis, J.; Bulmer, J. F. F.; Lugani, J.; Walmsley, I. A.; Pinkse, P. W. H.; Eisert, J.; Walk, N.; Renema, J. J.
Source
Nature Comm. 14, 3895 (2023)
Subject
Language
Abstract
One of the core questions of quantum physics is how to reconcile the unitary evolution of quantum states, which is information-preserving and time-reversible, with evolution following the second law of thermodynamics, which, in general, is neither. The resolution to this paradox is to recognize that global unitary evolution of a multi-partite quantum state causes the state of local subsystems to evolve towards maximum-entropy states. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate this effect in linear quantum optics by simultaneously showing the convergence of local quantum states to a generalized Gibbs ensemble constituting a maximum-entropy state under precisely controlled conditions, while introducing an efficient certification method to demonstrate that the state retains global purity. Our quantum states are manipulated by a programmable integrated quantum photonic processor, which simulates arbitrary non-interacting Hamiltonians, demonstrating the universality of this phenomenon. Our results show the potential of photonic devices for quantum simulations involving non-Gaussian states.
Comment: 9+12 pages, 12 figures, replaced with final version
Comment: 9+12 pages, 12 figures, replaced with final version