Our research

One of the main obstacles to the development of useful quantum computers is their sensitivity to noise. Noise causes errors that rapidly eliminate the potential for quantum computers to solve tasks more efficiently than classical computers. 

In Resilience–Runtime Tradeoff Relations for Quantum Algorithms, we developed a general and simple-to-apply framework to evaluate the sensitivity of quantum algorithms to perturbative noise. Different algorithms are affeceted differently by a noise process. We found that, in certain cases, algorithms that compute slowly are more resilient than fast algorithms. 

In  Lower Bounds on Quantum Annealing Times (and improved upon here), we studied how the physical implementation of a quantum algorithm limits the minimum times needed to compute.   

Quantum metrology is the field that studies the best precision with which a parameter such as a field or coupling constant can be estimated from a series of measurements. In certain scenarios, quantum systems can function as very good sensors. However, since quantum systems are very sensitive to noise, their performance as sensors is typically strongly hindered in non-ideal settings. 

In Estimation of Hamiltonian Parameters from Thermal States, we studied the precision of thermal quantum sensors. In certain cases, we found  quantum systems can display enhanced sensitivity even in mixed thermal states. In a followup preprint, we explore regimes where decoherence can enhance the precision of quantum clocks and frequency sensors. 

Stochastic and Quantum thermodynamics are the fields devoted to the study of energy and entropy flows from underlying dynamical models of classical or quantum systems. They provide a foundational basis for the phenomenological field of classical thermodynamics. 

Some of our work has focused on finding differences between the thermodynamics of quantum and classical systems. In Quantum Thermodynamic Advantage in Work Extraction from Steerable Quantum Correlations, we proved that quantum correlations can serve as a resource to drive thermodynamics tasks. We showed that quantum steering (a form of non-classical correlations), can provide provable advantages in work extraction tasks. In earlier work, we derived limitations to the charging of quantum batteries.

A series of mathematical inequalities, typically grouped under the term of quantum speed limits, bound how fast quantum systems evolve. Similar bounds constrain classical systems, too (see e.g., Time–Information Uncertainty Relations in Thermodynamics and Unifying Quantum and Classical Speed Limits on Observables). 

Since speed limits apply to classical systems, they hold beyond physics. Limits on the Evolutionary Rates of Biological Traits derives limits to the speed at which biological evolution can occur.