Anomalous Thermalization for Accelerated Quantum State Preparation

Objective

Quantum technologies are revolutionizing the way we model complex materials, process information, and measure physical systems with unprecedented precision. In this context, quantum simulation is emerging as a key tool for exploring quantum matter. One of its main goals is the efficient preparation of highly entangled states, which are crucial for fundamental research, such as the investigation of macroscopic quantum phenomena like superconductivity, as well as for applications in quantum computing and communication. Recently, it has been shown that engineered dissipation is a potentially more robust and efficient alternative to conventional approaches for the preparation of highly entangled states, which are based on coherent control. At the same time, numerous studies on anomalous thermalization suggest that dissipation can sometimes be used to accelerate equilibration in surprising ways. The ASAP project will build on these findings to establish a general framework for anomalous-thermalization-enhanced preparation of quantum states. In particular, I will exploit the counterintuitive observation that, under certain conditions, hot systems can cool faster than warm ones to identify simple initial states that drastically reduce preparation times. This will significantly reduce operational errors, paving the way to the preparation of complex quantum states that are currently inaccessible, such as superconducting states in ultracold atom platforms. I will first develop the theory for non-interacting systems and then extend it to interacting many-body systems. Finally, I will apply the framework to experiments in both analog and digital quantum simulation. The project will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. John Goold in the QuSys group at Trinity College Dublin, whose expertise at the interface of quantum thermodynamics and quantum simulation provides the ideal environment.