Non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics of a particle trapped in a controllable time-varying potential

TL;DR

This paper investigates the non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics of a levitated nanoparticle transitioning from harmonic to double-well potential, analyzing entropy production, quantum coherence, and the interplay of unitary and dissipative effects.

Contribution

It provides a detailed thermodynamic analysis of non-Gaussian dynamics in a controllable quantum system, including the effects of thermalization, localization, and initial state squeezing.

Findings

Entropy production and rates are characterized during the potential transition.

Quantum and thermal effects are shown to be of comparable magnitude in certain regimes.

Optimal initial squeezing enhances quantum coherence in the system.

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.