Quantum control of solid-state qubits for thermodynamic applications

TL;DR

This paper reviews theoretical studies on controlling solid-state qubits with laser fields to manipulate thermodynamic processes, including heat absorption and cooling, through quantum thermodynamics principles.

Contribution

It introduces a method to control thermodynamic processes in solid-state qubits using strong-field dressed states and tailored laser driving fields.

Findings

Controlled heat absorption via dressed states

Tailored laser fields enable reversible and irreversible thermodynamic processes

Potential for optical cooling of solids to low temperatures

Abstract

We give an overview of our recent theoretical studies of the thermodynamics of excitons, and other solid-state qubits, driven by time-dependent laser fields. We consider a single such emitter and describe how the formation of strong-field dressed states allows the emitter to absorb or emit acoustic phonons in a controlled way. We present results for the heat absorption, and show that the form of the driving field can be tailored to produce different thermodynamic processes, including both reversible and irreversible heat absorption. We discuss these effects from the perspective of quantum thermodynamics and outline the possibility of using them for optical cooling of solids to low temperatures.