Abstract
Many advanced quantum techniques feature non-Gaussian dynamics, and the ability to manipulate the system in that domain is the next-stage in many experiments. One example of meaningful non-Gaussian dynamics is that of a double-well potential. Here we study the dynamics of a levitated nanoparticle undergoing the transition from an harmonic potential to a double-well in a realistic setting, subjecting to both thermalisation and localisation. We characterise the dynamics of the nanoparticle from a thermodynamic point-of-view, investigating the dynamics with the Wehrl entropy production and its rates. Furthermore, we investigate coupling regimes where the the quantum effect and thermal effect are of the same magnitude, and look at suitable squeezing of the initial state that provides the maximum coherence. The effects and the competitions of the unitary and the dissipative parts onto the system are demonstrated. We quantify the requirements to relate our results to a bonafide experiment with the presence of the environment, and discuss the experimental interpretations of our results in the end.
Highlights
We study the dynamics of a levitated nanoparticle undergoing the transition from a harmonic potential to a double well in a realistic setting, subjected to both thermalization and localization
The system is subject to the thermalization and localization dissipators, and we show the effects of these dissipators in terms of their thermodynamic aspects, i.e., the Wehrl entropy, the irreversible entropy production rate and the entropy flux rate
We constructed an approach to study the thermodynamics of a nanoparticle under the combined action of a time-varying potential, which reproduce the transition from a harmonic to double-well landscape, and external dissipative influences
Summary
The potential for enhanced performances above and beyond the possibilities offered by classical devices underpins the development of quantum technologies for applications, in information and communication technology, sensing, and computation [1–6]. Levito dynamics [22], i.e., the levitation of nano- and micro-objects in vacuum, holds the potential to become a key experimental platform for the demonstration of quantum features at the mesoscopic scale. Dynamical shaping of an optical potential for a levitated nanoparticle has been demonstrated, with the scope to implement a logically irreversible transformation [27] These developments pave the way to the exploration of nonequilibrium phenomena in open mesoscopic systems and the consolidation of a framework of controllable quantum thermodynamics of large-scale systems [28]. Our investigation sets the methodological toolbox for the successful simulation of nonequilibrium processes subjected to real-time potential-shaping transformation, as envisioned in particular for levitated systems It establishes the context for the quantification of potential thermodynamics-based limitations to the efficiency of quantum memories.
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