PhD on Quantum Control and Quantum Thermodynamics (3-year research contract)

Controlling quantum systems, which implies to be able to prepare quantum systems in specific initial states, to precisely induce well chosen dynamics, and to measure quantum systems, is at the center of most quantum applications and technologies. The limit of precision of a given control operation, as well as the minimum time, fluctuations, energy, and resource expenditure required for such control operation, are fundamental questions, extraordinarily rich and intricate, and yet to be fully explored and understood.

Great progress has been made thanks to theorems setting some bounds on achievable performances, like shortcut-to-adiabaticity [1], Thermodynamic Uncertainty Relation [2,3], quantum speed limit [4], as well as successful applications of Control Theory to Quantum Optimal Control [5]. Still, there are many challenges involving energetic and thermodynamic costs, open quantum dynamics, and robustness of the control protocols.

The overall aim of the PhD project is to address some of these questions, essential for the development and viability of quantum applications and technologies. Among the many possible directions, the project will focus on the following topics:

• Shortcut-to-adiabaticity and thermodyanmic costs
• Optimal quantum control in open dynamics
• Thermodynamic costs in open dynamics
• Open quantum systems in strong coupling and steady state, analytical and numercial techniques (Reaction Coordinate, Pseudo-mode, Polaron Transformation, HEOM).
• Thermodynamics in autonomous quantum systems

Note that while developing theoretical tools, methods, and models, practical experimental applications will be a constant worry. The results could be designed to be tested and used in some of the following experimental platforms: magnetic nuclear resonance (NMR), NV centers, cold atom platforms (BEC, Rydberg atoms) and quantum circuits.

Possible collaborations on the project: Dominique Sugny (ICB Lab, Université de Bourgogne), Stéphane Guérin (ICB Lab, Université de Bourgogne), Cyril Elouard (Université de Lorraine).

Required expertises: Quantum Information, Open Quantum Systems, and some programming skills.

Funding: 3 year research contract ('CDD  chercheur'') funded by the "Chaire de Professeur Junior"

Contact: Interested candidate can send curriculum and academic record to Camille Latune, camille.lombard-latune@u-bourgogne.fr

References:

[1] D. Guéry-Odelin, A. Ruschhaupt, A. Kiely, E. Torrontegui, S. Martı́nez-Garaot, and J. G. Muga, Shortcuts to adiabaticity:
Concepts, methods, and applications, Rev. Mod. Phys. 91, 045001 (2019).
[2] A. M. Timpanaro, G. Guarnieri, J. Goold, and G. T. Landi, Thermodynamic Uncertainty Relations from Exchange Fluc-
tuation Theorems, Physical Review Letters 123, 090604 (2019).
[3] T. Van Vu and Y. Hasegawa, Uncertainty relation under information measurement and feedback control, Journal of Physics
A: Mathematical and Theoretical 53, 075001 (2020).
[4] S. Deffner and S. Campbell, Quantum speed limits: from Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle to optimal quantum control,
Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical 50, 453001 (2017).
[5] Q. Ansel, E. Dionis, F. Arrouas, B. Peaudecerf, S. Guérin, D. Guéry-Odelin, and D. Sugny, Introduction to Theoretical and
Experimental aspects of Quantum Optimal Control, ArXiv e-prints 10.48550/arXiv.2403.00532 (2024), 2403.00532.