2026-01-29 チャルマース工科大学
<関連情報>
- https://news.cision.com/chalmers/r/novel-quantum-refrigerator-benefits-from-problematic-noise,c4299087
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67751-z
超伝導回路のノイズを利用した量子冷凍 Quantum refrigeration powered by noise in a superconducting circuit
Simon Sundelin,Mohammed Ali Aamir,Vyom Manish Kulkarni,Claudia Castillo-Moreno & Simone Gasparinetti
Nature Published:26 January 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67751-z

Abstract
While dephasing noise often hinders quantum devices, it can become an asset for quantum thermal machines. Here we demonstrate a three-level thermal machine that leverages noise-assisted quantum transport to enable steady-state cooling of microwave modes. The device exploits symmetry-selective couplings between a superconducting artificial molecule and two physical heat baths. Each bath consists of a microwave waveguide populated with synthesized quasithermal radiation. Energy transport is enabled by injecting dephasing noise through a third channel longitudinally coupled to one artificial atom of the molecule. By varying the effective temperatures of the reservoirs and measuring photonic heat currents with sub-attowatt resolution, we demonstrate energy flow dynamics characteristic of a quantum heat engine, thermal accelerator, and refrigerator. Our work constitutes an experimental demonstration of the key operating principles of a noise-assisted three-level quantum refrigerator and opens new avenues for experiments in quantum thermodynamics using superconducting circuits coupled to physical heat baths.


