Energy dynamics, heat production and heat-work conversion with qubits: towards the development of quantum machines

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent theoretical and experimental advances in understanding energy dynamics, heat production, and energy conversion mechanisms in qubit systems, with implications for developing quantum thermal machines.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of theoretical frameworks, experimental progress, and fundamental phenomena related to energy processes in superconducting qubits, highlighting new insights and potential applications.

Findings

Analysis of heat generation and energy transport in qubits

Identification of mechanisms for energy dissipation control

Overview of experimental implementations of quantum thermal machines

Abstract

We present an overview of recent advances in the study of energy dynamics and mechanisms for energy conversion in qubit systems with special focus on realizations in superconducting quantum circuits. We briefly introduce the relevant theoretical framework to analyze heat generation, energy transport and energy conversion in these systems with and without time-dependent driving considering the effect of equilibrium and non-equilibrium environments. We analyze specific problems and mechanisms under current investigation in the context of qubit systems. These include the problem of energy dissipation and possible routes for its control, energy pumping between driving sources and heat pumping between reservoirs, implementation of thermal machines and mechanisms for energy storage. We highlight the underlying fundamental phenomena related to geometrical and topological properties, as well as many-body correlations. We also present an overview of recent experimental activity in this field.