Quantum Thermodynamics and Optomechanics

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

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2. Introduction

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 1-9

3. Thermodynamics of Open Quantum Systems

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 11-28

4. Average Thermodynamics of Hybrid Optomechanical Systems

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 29-44

5. Stochastic Thermodynamics of Hybrid Optomechanical Systems

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 45-63

6. Optomechanical Energy Conversion

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 65-90

7. Coherent Quantum Engine

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 91-118

8. Conclusion

   • Juliette Monsel

   Pages 119-122

9. Back Matter

   Pages 123-129

   PDF

This thesis demonstrates the potential of two platforms to explore experimentally the emerging field of quantum thermodynamics that has remained mostly theoretical so far. It proposes methods to define and measure work in the quantum regime. The most important part of the thesis focuses on hybrid optomechanical devices, evidencing that they are proper candidates to measure directly the fluctuations of work and the corresponding fluctuation theorem. Such devices could also give rise to the observation of mechanical lasing and cooling, based on mechanisms similar to a heat engine. The final part of the thesis studies how quantum coherence can improve work extraction in superconducting circuits. All the proposals greatly clarify the concept of work since they are based on measurable quantities in state of the art devices. 

• Quantum Thermodynamics
• Stochastic Thermodynamics
• Work Measurement
• Fluctuation Theorems
• Optomechanical Systems
• Open Quantum Systems
• Quantum Trajectory
• Superconducting circuits

• Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden

  Juliette Monsel

Juliette Monsel is a postdoctoral researcher at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. She received her PhD from the University of Grenoble Alpes, France, in 2019.

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