Quantum Mechanics and Thermodynamics Found to Coexist: University of Twente Study
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Twente has revealed that quantum mechanics and thermodynamics, two fundamental theories of physics, can coexist. The team achieved this feat by utilizing an optical chip with photon channels, which demonstrated the compatibility of both theories.
Quantum mechanics suggests that time can be reversed and information is always preserved, meaning that the previous states of particles can always be retrieved. On the other hand, thermodynamics asserts that time has a direction and information can be lost over time. The challenge was to reconcile these seemingly contradictory principles.
To address this puzzle, a theoretical solution was proposed, and an experiment with atoms was previously conducted. The University of Twente researchers, however, have taken it a step further by demonstrating the phenomenon using photons. Photons, as particles of light, have a unique advantage in that time reversal is relatively simple to achieve with them.
The experiment involved an optical chip with photon channels through which the particles could pass. Initially, the researchers were able to determine the exact number of photons in each channel. However, as the experiment progressed, the photons began shuffling positions, introducing disorder. Interestingly, while the individual channels showed disorder in line with thermodynamics, the overall system remained consistent with quantum mechanics.
Dr. Jelmer Renema, an assistant professor in the Adaptive Quantum Optics research group at the University of Twente and one of the authors of the study, explained the concept of entanglement within subsystems. He noted that the missing information in one subsystem appears to “disappear” but is actually transferred to another subsystem, demonstrating the preservation and transfer of information.
The study, titled “Quantum simulation of thermodynamics in an integrated quantum photonic processor,” was published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The research team, led by Dr. Renema, collaborated with the research group of Prof. Dr. Jens Eisert from the Freie Universität Berlin, who played a crucial role in demonstrating the reversibility of the experiment.
This groundbreaking research contributes to our understanding of the intricate relationship between quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. The findings have significant implications for fields such as quantum computing, where the preservation and transfer of information are paramount. With further exploration, scientists hope to unlock even greater applications of these intertwined theories and harness their potential for future technological advancements.