Developing the Thermodynamics of Quantum Control

Arguably one of the biggest difficulties facing quantum engineers is quantum control. Quantum systems are incredibly sensitive which is one of their greatest assets, but also and their Achilles’ heel. One can leverage the general theory of feedback and measurement-based quantum control to enhance quantum capabilities to a desired functionality, but there is a problem as quantum systems can be perturbed by those very measurements leading to a loss of control.The aim of this proposal is to develop a general and widely applicable thermodynamic framework of measurement-based quantum control which is abbreviated to the Thermodynamics of Quantum Control (TQC). Studying quantum control through the lens of thermodynamics is a novel idea and allows one to utilise the powerful tools developed in quantum thermodynamics. I will unify the stochastic behaviour of quantum measurements and quantum control with the state-of-the-art research in stochastic quantum thermodynamics. We will validate our proposal by developing testable protocols that can be implemented using current quantum technology and will commence designs with an experimental team in the later stages of the project. The timely results will answer fundamental questions regarding the effectiveness, precision, and efficiency of measurement-controlled sensors and engines. The research will be carried out in the perfectly suited 'Thermodynamics and energetics of Quantum Systems' (QuSys) group of Prof. John Goold at Trinity College Dublin.