Project description DEENESFRITPL Laying the foundations for describing thermodynamics laws at the quantum scale Developing a comprehensive theory of thermodynamics at the quantum scale is entirely different than studying the laws of classical thermodynamics. Quantum system measurements induce a non-negligible back action and an energy cost comparable to the energy scale of the system. The EU-funded Cocoquest project will develop a formal theory describing control over quantum systems with fixed complexity that will underpin thermodynamic studies at the quantum scale. Researchers will also construct a thermodynamically self-contained description of the quantum measurement process to expose fundamental limitations on data acquisition. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Developing a comprehensive theory of thermodynamics at the quantum scale requires a fundamental change of perspective with regards to its classical counterpart. On the one hand, measuring a quantum system will induce a non-negligible back-action and an energy cost that is at least comparable to the energy scale of the system. On the other hand, controlling microscopic degrees of freedom and harnessing quantum effects provides novel opportunities with no classical counterpart. In light of these facts, control over different quantum features and quantum measurements themselves become valuable resources that need to be integrated into any self-contained theory of quantum thermodynamics. In this project, we aim to address this grand challenge. First we will develop a formal theory that includes control over quantum systems with fixed complexity to incorporate these concepts into thermodynamic considerations at the quantum scale. Second, we will unveil the fundamental thermodynamic limitations on information acquisition by constructing a thermodynamically self-contained description of the quantum measurement process. Finally, we will carefully study current quantum technologies and, with the help of our own lab and experimental colleagues, we will devise experimental proposals and perform proof-of-principle experiments based on existing quantum technologies, to make sure that the theoretical considerations describe relevant features. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesquantum physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesthermodynamicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsstatistical mechanics Programme(s) HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2021-COG - ERC CONSOLIDATOR GRANTS Call for proposal ERC-2021-COG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme HORIZON-AG - HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based Coordinator TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN Net EU contribution € 1 865 833,75 Address Karlsplatz 13 1040 Wien Austria See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
