Optimal Probes for Global Quantum Thermometry

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new framework for global quantum thermometry, designing practical, wide-range temperature probes that overcome the limitations of existing local, complex-spectrum sensors, with realizations in spin chains.

Contribution

It formalizes global thermometry, identifies different phases of optimal probes across temperature ranges, and proposes practical implementations in spin chains, ion traps, and quantum dots.

Findings

Different phases emerge for optimal probes as temperature range increases.

Global probes outperform local ones over wider temperature intervals.

Practical implementations are feasible in spin chains, ion traps, and quantum dots.

Abstract

Quantum thermodynamics has emerged as a separate sub-discipline, revising the concepts and laws of thermodynamics, at the quantum scale. In particular, there has been a disruptive shift in the way thermometry, and thermometers are perceived and designed. Currently, we face two major challenges in quantum thermometry. First, all of the existing optimally precise temperature probes are local, meaning their operation is optimal only for a narrow range of temperatures. Second, aforesaid optimal local probes mandate complex energy spectrum with immense degeneracy, rendering them impractical. Here, we address these challenges by formalizing the notion of global thermometry leading to the development of optimal temperature sensors over a wide range of temperatures. We observe the emergence of different phases for such optimal probes as the temperature interval is increased. In addition, we show how the best approximation of optimal global probes can be realized in spin chains, implementable in ion traps and quantum dots.