Levitated Quantum Engine

To meet the global demand for sustainable energy, new forms of clean energy sources based on heat to work conversion need to

be developed. To that end, the emerging field of quantum thermodynamics aims at devising nanoscale heat engines to exploit

quantum resources and represents a promising vector to industrialize quantum technologies. However, it is still a great challenge to

design and control nanoscale heat engines in the quantum regime.

The proposed project employs the optomechanical platform of levitated nanoparticles to harvest thermal fluctuations in the

regime where quantum effects are relevant. In particular, it will elucidate the role of inertia in thermodynamic heat engine cycles,

exploit bath engineering techniques and explore the emergence of a quantum speed limit. The project combines the exquisite

optomechanical control of levitated nanoparticles for fast potential change and cooling methods with optimal control theory

including shortcut-to-adiabaticity techniques.

The project benefits from the experienced researcher (ER) extensive skills in stochastic thermodynamics, optomechanics and

quantum optics, the supervisor track record in nano-optics, optical tweezers and stochastic thermodynamics, and the theoretical

support with experts in optimal control theory, both in the classical and quantum regimes. The project will therefore offer a critically

required insight towards future commercialization of more efficient, less power-consuming quantum machines.