Open dynamics of interacting and disordered quantum systems

Project Information

ODYSSEY

Grant agreement ID: 758403

DOI

10.3030/758403

Project closed

EC signature date 17 October 2017

Start date 1 July 2018

End date 31 December 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 1 333 325,00

EU contribution

€ 1 333 325,00

Coordinated by

THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 4 - ODYSSEY (Open dynamics of interacting and disordered quantum systems)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2023-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The ERC Starting Grant project "ODYSSEY, focused on advancing the theoretical understanding of thermodynamics in complex quantum systems. Specifically, the research addressed how quantum systems connected to multiple heat baths behave under the combined influence of inter-particle interactions, disorder, and non-equilibrium driving forces. The overarching aim was to uncover the fundamental principles governing thermal transport and energy conversion at the nanoscale. The project tackled the challenge of describing energy flow and thermodynamic behavior in strongly interacting quantum systems beyond conventional theoretical methods. Current models often broke down in regimes with strong interactions, high levels of disorder, or far-from-equilibrium conditions, leaving significant gaps in understanding. A core issue was determining how microscopic properties like inter-particle interactions and impurities influenced macroscopic thermodynamic behavior, including energy efficiency, thermal conductivity, and heat-to-work conversion. The study of thermodynamics at the nanoscale was crucial for developing next-generation technologies, particularly in the context of energy efficiency and quantum information processing. As society faced increasing demands for sustainable energy and efficient devices, understanding the thermodynamic principles at microscopic scales became essential. Quantum technologies, such as quantum computers and sensors, relied on precise control of non-equilibrium processes, making it vital to explore how energy dissipated and flowed in these systems. Insights gained from this research enabled the design of devices with enhanced thermal functionality, contributing to a more sustainable technological future. The primary objective of the project was to build a comprehensive theoretical framework for non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics that accounted for the interplay between interactions, disorder, and quantum coherence. Develop numerical and analytical models that extended beyond the limits of linear response theory. Investigate thermal transport in non-ergodic and disordered quantum systems, where conventional assumptions about thermalization might fail. Explore how imperfections such as impurities could be harnessed to optimize thermal performance rather than degrade it and Identify fundamental limits and possibilities for energy-efficient quantum devices by studying steady-state and transient heat flows. By addressing these objectives, the project contributed to foundational research with direct relevance to the development of more efficient energy technologies and the next generation of quantum devices. Through innovative theoretical approaches, the project advanced the understanding of how quantum mechanical principles could be leveraged for practical technological applications, paving the way toward a deeper grasp of energy management at the quantum level.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Throughout the project, significant progress was made in developing numerical and analytical methods to study energy transport and thermodynamic behaviour in strongly interacting quantum systems. The team investigated non-equilibrium dynamics beyond the limits of linear response theory and explored thermal transport in disordered and non-ergodic quantum systems, where conventional assumptions about thermalisation break down. Examples of these systems included quasi periodic geometries and random disorder. Key scientific achievements include the development of advanced simulation techniques and theoretical models that enabled the study of regimes previously inaccessible due to computational complexity. These models provided new insights into how inter-particle interactions and impurities influence energy flow and heat-to-work conversion at the microscopic level. These included thermodynamics of the mesocopic leads formalism. The project also explored how imperfections such as impurities can be harnessed to optimize thermal performance rather than degrade it. By identifying mechanisms where disorder enhances thermal transport or suppresses unwanted energy dissipation, the project uncovered pathways toward designing energy-efficient quantum devices.

Results from the project have been widely disseminated through high-impact journal publications, international conference presentations, and collaborations with leading researchers in the field. These findings have broad implications for quantum technologies, particularly in the context of energy-efficient quantum computing, nanoscale heat engines, and thermal management systems.

The project’s outcomes contribute to the foundational understanding of energy management in many-body quantum systems, paving the way for future innovations in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable quantum devices. The research demonstrated how quantum mechanical principles of interacting systems could be exploited for practical technological applications, bridging the gap between theoretical physics and real-world implementations.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The project achieved significant progress beyond the state of the art by extending the theoretical framework of non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics and in particular by developing new open system methodologies which are applicable for interacting many body systems beyond strong coupling and can replicate known techniques in the appropriate limits . This allowed the team to successfully modeled regimes with strong interactions, high disorder, and far-from-equilibrium dynamics that were previously inaccessible due to computational limitations. This work pushed the boundaries of quantum thermodynamic simulations by enabling precise calculations in complex, disordered systems.

The project also provided insights into how quantum coherence, disorder, and non-ergodic behaviour affect heat transport and energy conversion. A key innovation was demonstrating how imperfections, traditionally viewed as detrimental, can enhance performance in specific thermal tasks through disorder-engineered energy management.

Expected results until the project’s conclusion included refining numerical methods for larger system sizes and more complex configurations. Further exploration of heat transport in interacting disordered systems aimed to uncover general principles for optimizing energy transfer and minimizing dissipation. Insights gained were expected to inform the design of novel quantum thermal devices with applications in quantum computing, nanoscale heat management, and energy-efficient technologies.

The project's legacy is a deeper theoretical understanding of quantum thermodynamics of non equilibrium interacting quantum manybody systems, creating a platform for future experimental investigations and technological applications in quantum devices and energy management systems.

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