arXiv subjects

Bijay Kumar Agarwalla

Publications and source records attributed to Bijay Kumar Agarwalla.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Experimental emulation of quantum non-Markovian dynamics and coherence protection in the presence of information backflow

We experimentally emulate, in a controlled fashion, the non-Markovian dynamics of a pure dephasing spin-boson model at zero temperature. Specifically, we use a randomized set of external radio-frequency fields to engineer a desired noise power-spectrum to effectively realize a non-Markovian environment for a single NMR qubit. The information backflow, characteristic to the non-Markovianity, is captured in the nonmonotonicity of the decoherence function and von Neumann entropy of the system. Using such emulated non-Markovian environments, we experimentally study the efficiency of the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill dynamical decoupling (DD) sequence to inhibit the loss of coherence. Using the filter function formalism, we design optimized DD sequences that maximize coherence protection for non-Markovian environments and study their efficiencies experimentally. Finally, we discuss DD-assisted tuning of the effective non-Markovianity.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Path-integral methodology and simulations of quantum thermal transport: Full counting statistics approach

We develop and test a computational framework to study heat exchange in interacting, nonequilibrium open quantum systems. Our iterative full counting statistics path integral (iFCSPI) approach extends a previously well-established influence functional path integral method, by going beyond reduced system dynamics to provide the cumulant generating function of heat exchange. The method is straightforward; we implement it for the nonequilibrium spin boson model to calculate transient and long-time observables, focusing on the steady-state heat current flowing through the system under a temperature difference. Results are compared to perturbative treatments and demonstrate good agreement in the appropriate limits. The challenge of converging nonequilibrium quantities, currents and high order cumulants, is discussed in detail. The iFCSPI, a numerically exact technique, naturally captures strong system-bath coupling and non-Markovian effects of the environment. As such, it is a promising tool for probing fundamental questions in quantum transport and quantum thermodynamics.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2018

Experimental verification of quantum heat exchange fluctuation relation

We experimentally verify the Jarzynski and Wöjcik quantum heat exchange fluctuation relation by implementing the interferometric technique in liquid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance setup and study the exchange heat statistics between two weakly coupled spin-1/2 quantum systems. In presence of uncorrelated initial state with individual spins prepared in local Gibbs thermal states at different temperatures, the exchange fluctuation symmetry is verified for arbitrary transient time. In contrast, when the initial preparation includes correlation, the fluctuation symmetry breaks down and further leads to an apparent spontaneous flow of heat from cold to hot. Our experimental approach is general and can be systematically extended to study heat statistics for more complex out-of-equilibrium many-body quantum systems.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2018

Quantum energy exchange and refrigeration: A full-counting statistics approach

We formulate a full-counting statistics description to study energy exchange in multi-terminal junctions. Our approach applies to quantum systems that are coupled either additively or non-additively (cooperatively) to multiple reservoirs. We derive a Markovian Redfield-type equation for the counting-field dependent reduced density operator. Under the secular approximation, we confirm that the cumulant generating function satisfies the heat exchange fluctuation theorem. Our treatment thus respects the second law of thermodynamics. We exemplify our formalism on a multi-terminal two-level quantum system, and apply it to realize the smallest quantum absorption refrigerator, operating through engineered reservoirs, and achievable only through a cooperative bath interaction model.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

On the validity of the thermodynamic uncertainty relation in quantum systems

We examine the so-called thermodynamic uncertainty relation (TUR), a cost-precision trade-off relationship in transport systems. Based on the fluctuation symmetry, we derive a condition on the validity of the TUR for general nonequilibrium (classical and quantum) systems. We find that the first non-zero contribution to the TUR beyond equilibrium, given in terms of nonlinear transport coefficients, can be positive or negative, thus affirming or violating the TUR depending on the details of the system. We exemplify our results for noninteracting quantum systems by deriving the thermodynamic uncertainty relation in the language of the transmission function. We demonstrate that quantum coherent systems that do not follow a population Markovian master equation, e.g. by supporting high order tunneling processes or relying on coherences, violate the TUR.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Qubit absorption refrigerator at strong coupling

We demonstrate that a quantum absorption refrigerator can be realized from the smallest quantum system, a qubit, by coupling it in a non-additive (strong) manner to three heat baths. This function is un-attainable for the qubit model under the weak system-bath coupling limit, when the dissipation is additive. In an optimal design, the reservoirs are engineered and characterized by a single frequency component. We obtain then closed expressions for the cooling window and refrigeration efficiency, as well as bounds for the maximal cooling efficiency and the efficiency at maximal power. Our results agree with macroscopic designs and with three-level models for quantum absorption refrigerators, which are based on the weak system-bath coupling assumption. Beyond the optimal limit, we show with analytic calculations and numerical simulations that the cooling efficiency varies in a non-universal manner with model parameters. Our work demonstrates that strongly-coupled quantum machines can exhibit function that is un-attainable under the weak system-bath coupling assumption.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2017

Quantum efficiency bound for continuous heat engines coupled to non-canonical reservoirs

We derive an efficiency bound for continuous quantum heat engines absorbing heat from squeezed thermal reservoirs. Our approach relies on a full-counting statistics description of nonequilibrium transport and it is not limited to the framework of irreversible thermodynamics. Our result, a generalized Carnot efficiency bound, is valid beyond the small squeezing and high temperature limit. Our findings are embodied in a prototype three-terminal quantum photoelectric engine where a qubit converts heat absorbed from a squeezed thermal reservoir into electrical power. We demonstrate that in the quantum regime the efficiency can be greatly amplified by squeezing. From the fluctuation relation we further receive other operational measures in linear response, for example, the universal maximum power efficiency bound.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2017

The Anderson impurity model out of equilibrium: Assessing the accuracy of simulation techniques with an exact current-occupation relation

We study the interacting, symmetrically coupled single impurity Anderson model. By employing the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we establish an exact relationship between the steady-state charge current flowing through the impurity (dot) and its occupation. We argue that the steady state current-occupation relation can be used to assess the consistency of simulation techniques, and identify spurious transport phenomena. We test this relation in two different model variants: First, we study the Anderson-Holstein model in the strong electron-vibration coupling limit using the polaronic quantum master equation method. We find that the current-occupation relation is violated numerically in standard calculations, with simulations bringing up incorrect transport effects. Using a numerical procedure, we resolve the problem efficiently. Second, we simulate the Anderson model with electron-electron interaction on the dot using a deterministic numerically-exact time-evolution scheme. Here, we observe that the current-occupation relation is satisfied in the steady-state limit---even before results converge to the exact limit.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Energy current and its statistics in the nonequilibrium spin-boson model: Majorana fermion representation

We study the statistics of thermal energy transfer in the nonequilibrium (two-bath) spin-boson model. This quantum many-body impurity system serves as a canonical model for quantum energy transport. Our method makes use of the Majorana fermion representation for the spin operators, in combination with the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function approach. We derive an analytical expression for the cumulant generating function of the model in the steady state limit, and show that it satisfies the Gallavotti-Cohen fluctuation symmetry. We obtain analytical expressions for the heat current and its noise, valid beyond the sequential and the co-tunnelling regimes. Our results satisfy the quantum mechanical bound for heat current in interacting nanojunctions. Results are compared with other approximate theories, as well as with a non-interacting model, a fully harmonic thermal junction.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Giant photon gain in large-scale quantum dot circuit-QED systems

Motivated by recent experiments on the generation of coherent light in engineered hybrid quantum systems, we investigate gain in a microwave photonic cavity coupled to quantum dot structures, and develop concrete directions for achieving a giant amplification in photon transmission. We propose two architectures for scaling up the electronic gain medium: (i) $N$ double quantum dot systems (N-DQD), (ii) $M$ quantum dots arranged in series akin to a quantum cascade laser setup. In both setups, the fermionic reservoirs are voltage biased, and the quantum dots are coupled to a single-mode cavity. Optical amplification is explained based on a sum rule for the transmission function, and it is determined by an intricate competition between two different processes: charge density response in the gain medium, and cavity losses to input and output ports. The same design principle is also responsible for the corresponding giant amplification in other photonic observables, mean photon number and emission spectrum, thereby realizing a quantum device that behaves as a giant microwave amplifier.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Effects of vibrational anharmonicity on molecular electronic conduction and thermoelectric efficiency

We study inelastic vibration-assisted charge transfer effects in two-site molecular junctions, focusing on signatures of vibrational anharmonicity on the electrical characteristics and the thermoelectric response of the junction. We consider three types of oscillators: harmonic, anharmonic-Morse allowing bond dissociation, and harmonic-quartic, mimicking a confinement potential. Using a quantum master equation method which is perturbative in the electron-vibration interaction we find that the (inelastic) electrical and thermal conductances can be largely affected by the nature of the vibrational potential. In contrast, the Seebeck coefficient, the thermoelectric figure-of-merit, and the thermoelectric efficiency beyond linear response, conceal this information, showing a rather weak sensitivity to vibrational anharmonicity. Our work illustrates that anharmonic (many-body) effects, consequential to the current-voltage characteristics, are of little effect for the thermoelectric performance.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2016

Geometric effects in non-equilibrium electron transfer statistics in adiabatically driven quantum junctions

Cyclic Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) and adiabatic noncyclic geometric (ANG) effects are investigated in a single electron orbital system connected to two metal contacts with externally driven chemical potential and/or temperatures.The PB contribution does not affect the density matrix evolution, but has quantitative effect on the statistics (fluctuations) of electron transfer. The ANG contribution, on the other hand, affects the net flux across the junction. Unlike the PB, the ANG contribution is non-zero when two parameters are identically driven. Closed analytical expressions are derived for the ANG contribution to the flux, and the PB contribution to the first two leading order fluctuations. Fluctuations can be modified by manipulating the relative phases of the drivings. Interestingly, we find that the fluctuations of the pumped charge do not satisfy the steady state fluctuation theorem in presence of nonzero geometric contribution, but can be recovered for a vanishing geometric contribution even in presence of the external driving.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2016

Tunable photonic cavity coupled to a voltage-biased double quantum dot system: Diagrammatic NEGF approach

We investigate gain in microwave photonic cavities coupled to voltage-biased double quantum dot systems with an arbitrary strong dot-lead coupling and with a Holstein-like light-matter interaction, by adapting the diagrammatic Keldysh nonequilibrium Green's function approach. We compute out-of-equilibrium properties of the cavity : its transmission, phase response, mean photon number, power spectrum, and spectral function. We show that by the careful engineering of these hybrid light-matter systems, one can achieve a significant amplification of the optical signal with the voltage-biased electronic system serving as a gain medium. We also study the steady state current across the device, identifying elastic and inelastic tunnelling processes which involve the cavity mode. Our results show how recent advances in quantum electronics can be exploited to build hybrid light-matter systems that behave as single-atom amplifiers and photon source devices. The diagrammatic Keldysh approach is primarily discussed for a cavity-coupled double quantum dot architecture, but it is generalizable to other hybrid light-matter systems.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Full counting statistics of vibrationally-assisted electronic conduction: transport and fluctuations of the thermoelectric efficiency

We study the statistical properties of charge and energy transport in electron conducting junctions with electron-phonon interactions, specifically, the thermoelectric efficiency and its fluctuations. The system comprises donor and acceptor electronic states, representing a two-site molecule or a double quantum dot system. Electron transfer between metals through the two molecular sites is coupled to a particular vibrational mode which is taken to be either harmonic or anharmonic- a truncated (two-state) spectrum. Considering these models we derive the cumulant generating function in steady state for charge and energy transfer, correct to second-order in the electron-phonon interaction, but exact to all orders in the metal-molecule coupling strength. This is achieved by using the non-equilibrium Green's function approach (harmonic mode) and a kinetic quantum master equation method (anharmonic mode). From the cumulant generating function we calculate the charge current and its noise and the large deviation function for the thermoelectric efficiency. We demonstrate that at large bias the charge current, differential conductance, and the current noise can identify energetic and structural properties of the junction. We further examine the operation of the junction as a thermoelectric engine and show that while the macroscopic thermoelectric efficiency is indifferent to the nature of the mode (harmonic or anharmonic), efficiency fluctuations do reflect this property.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2015

Reconciling perturbative approaches in phonon assisted transport junctions

We present consistent results for molecular conduction using two central-complementary approaches: the non-equilibrium Green's function technique and the quantum master equation method. Our model describes electronic conduction in a donor-acceptor junction in which electron transfer is coupled to nuclear motion, modeled by a harmonic vibrational mode. This primary mode is further coupled to secondary phonon modes, a thermal bath. Assuming weak electron-phonon coupling but arbitrary large molecule-metal hybridization, we compute several non-equilibrium transport quantities: the mean phonon number of the primary mode, charge current statistics. We further present scaling relations for the cumulants valid in the large voltage regime. Our analysis illustrates that the non-equilibrium Green's function technique and the quantum master equation method can be worked out consistently, when taking into account corresponding scattering processes.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Thermoelectricity in molecular junctions with harmonic and anharmonic modes

We study charge and energy transfer in two-site molecular electronic junctions in which electron transport is assisted by a vibrational mode. To understand the role of mode harmonicity/anharmonicity on transport behavior, we consider two limiting situations: (i) the mode is assumed harmonic, (ii) we truncate the mode spectrum to include only two vibrational levels, to represent an anharmonic molecular mode. Based on the models' cumulant generating functions, we analyze the linear-response and nonlinear performance of these junctions and demonstrate that while the electrical and thermal conductances are sensitive to whether the mode is harmonic/anharmonic, the Seebeck coefficient, the thermoelectric figure-of-merit, and the thermoelectric efficiency beyond linear response, conceal this information.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Efficiency Statistics and Bounds for Systems with Broken Time-Reversal Symmetry

Universal properties of the statistics of stochastic efficiency for mesoscopic time-reversal symmetry broken energy transducers are revealed in the Gaussian approximation. We also discuss how the second law of thermodynamics restricts the statistics of stochastic efficiency. The tight-coupling (reversible) limit becomes unfavorable, characterized by an infinitely broad distribution of efficiency at {\em all times}, when time-reversal symmetry breaking leads to an asymmetric Onsager response matrix. The underlying physics is demonstrated through the integer quantum Hall effect and further elaborated in a triple-quantum-dot three-terminal thermoelectric engine.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2015

Vibrational Heat Transport in Molecular Junctions

We review studies of vibrational energy transfer in a molecular junction geometry, consisting of a molecule bridging two heat reservoirs, solids or large chemical compounds. This setup is of interest for applications in molecular electronics, thermoelectrics, and nanophononics, and for addressing basic questions in the theory of classical and quantum transport. Calculations show that system size, disorder, structure, dimensionality, internal anharmonicities, contact interaction, and quantum coherent effects, are factors that interplay to determine the predominant mechanism (ballistic/diffusive), effectiveness (poor/good) and functionality (linear/nonlinear) of thermal conduction at the nanoscale. We review recent experiments and relevant calculations of quantum heat transfer in molecular junctions. We recount the Landauer approach, appropriate for the study of elastic (harmonic) phononic transport, and outline techniques which incorporate molecular anharmonicities. Theoretical methods are described along with examples illustrating the challenge of reaching control over vibrational heat conduction in molecules.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗