Maryland Quantum-Thermodynamics Hub

Quantum thermodynamics is an emerging field that offers fundamental insights into energy, information, and their relationship. Thermodynamics originally described classical systems—everyday objects formed from many particles. The theory has recently extended to the quantum domain of single electrons and few atoms, which behave in ways impossible for everyday objects. For example, quantum particles correlate strongly through entanglement, which gives one particle a surprisingly large amount of information about others. Scientists are leveraging such quantum phenomena in technologies such as quantum computers. We combine mathematical and conceptual tools from quantum physics, information processing, and thermodynamics to understand how everyday phenomena —our classical world and the flow of time—emerge from microscopic quantum physics.

From 2022 to 2025, the Maryland Quantum-Thermodynamics Hub addressed thermodynamic emergence from three angles: (1) How quickly does entanglement dissipate? (2) How similar is entanglement’s dissipation to time’s arrow? (3) To what extent can quantum phenomena hinder time’s arrow? In each branch of research, we found a tension, or an apparent conflict. Such conflicts fuel physics. So, from 2025 to 2028, we are resolving those tensions. Also, we are addressing another angle on thermodynamic emergence: (4) How does quantum gravity give rise to smooth space-time? We leverage abstract theory, numerical simulations, and experimental collaborations.

Pursuing this research unifies our team into a Maryland-based hub, a center for North American quantum thermodynamics. We partner with international institutions to form a global network. Our events include annual gatherings and seminars. Also, we engage the general public in the adventure of quantum thermodynamics through a quantum-steampunk creative-writing course, a quantum-steampunk creative-writing contest, contributions to mainstream media, public lectures, and blog posts. Uncovering how everyday phenomena emerge from microscopic quantum dynamics, we are illuminating fundamental physics while establishing a lodestone for North American quantum thermodynamics.