Quantum refrigeration powered by noise in a superconducting circuit
2026-01-30 11:12
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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.
Link to the article is here.
