Questioning the Limits of Quantum Machines

As far as we know, the laws of thermodynamics are on solid ground. But physicists are finding that certain classical notions of the theory, like “work,” become fuzzy when describing a heat engine comprised of atom-sized parts whose positions fluctuate according to the rules of quantum mechanics. Gaining clarity about the capability and efficiency of such quantum thermal machines is one of many pursuits that interest Marcus Huber, who leads a group at the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Vienna. While he is technically a theorist, Huber recently started a lab to explore quantum communication with “qudits,” which have more degrees of freedom to entangle than qubits. In an interview with Physics, he explained the questions physicists are asking about quantum thermal machines, why the quest to answer them appeals to his inner philosopher, and how he chose an unusual Skype name.