Fluctuations of thermodynamic observables across the quantum-to-classical transition

Fluctuations of thermodynamic observables carry valuable information, making them a promising diagnostic tool for, e.g., quantifying dissipation.

Furthermore, measurement-feedback schemes allow to exploit fluctuations for practical purposes such as generating electricity.

Nevertheless, there is still a lack of theoretical tools for describing fluctuations across the quantum-to-classical transition.

Here we propose to remedy this situation by systematically investigating the influence of classical and quantum fluctuations on thermodynamic observables.

Such an endeavor is crucial for understanding the thermodynamics of open quantum systems, which in turn is key for exploiting them for novel quantum technologies.

A particular focus will lie on non-classical signatures and on exploiting fluctuations for power-production in measurement and feedback schemes.To this end, the project has three aims which will result in novel conceptual insights involving:The role of the particle-wave duality in quantum heat enginesThe influence of the collapse of the wave-function on information-to-work conversionA new concept for power-production exploiting fluctuating temperaturesas well as practical tools for experimentalists and theorists:Tests for certifying non-classical behavior for continuous measurementsNovel out-of-equilibrium relations across the quantum-to-classical transitionA parameter estimation theory for fluctuating parameterspaving the way for novel quantum technological devices.