quantum-computing

Dots of entropy

Nature Physics – Quantum

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⚡ Quantum Brief

Researchers have directly measured entropy production at the nanoscale using quantum dots, a breakthrough in quantum thermodynamics published in February 2026. This marks the first experimental observation of non-equilibrium entropy dynamics in a quantum system. The study, led by Yuejun Shen, demonstrates how quantum dots—semiconductor nanostructures—can track entropy generation during irreversible processes, linking microscopic quantum behavior to macroscopic thermodynamic laws. Non-Markovian effects (memory-dependent dynamics) were observed, challenging classical assumptions about entropy production. These findings suggest quantum systems may violate traditional thermodynamic bounds under certain conditions. The work builds on theoretical frameworks by Maruyama, Nori, and Vedral (2009), extending entropy measurements to regimes where quantum coherence and thermalization compete. This advancement could refine quantum heat engines, error correction in quantum computing, and nanoscale energy devices by providing precise entropy control at the quantum level.

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Subjects Quantum physicsStatistical physics, thermodynamics and nonlinear dynamics Irreversibility is linked to the production of entropy and relaxation to thermal equilibrium. Entropy production has now been measured at the nanoscale using quantum dots. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your institution Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $32.99 / 30 days cancel any time Learn more Subscribe to this journal Receive 12 print issues and online access $259.00 per year only $21.58 per issue Learn more Rent or buy this article Prices vary by article type from$1.95 to$39.95 Learn more Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout ReferencesShen, Y. et al. Nat. Phys. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03177-8 (2026).Article Google Scholar Maruyama, K., Nori, F. & Vedral, V. Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 1–23 (2009).Article ADS Google Scholar Landi, G. T. & Paternostro, M. Rev. Mod. Phys. 93, 035008 (2021).Article ADS Google Scholar van Kampen, N. G. Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry (North-Holland, 1981).Download referencesAuthor informationAuthors and AffiliationsSchool of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, IrelandPaul EasthamAuthorsPaul EasthamView author publicationsSearch author on:PubMed Google ScholarCorresponding authorCorrespondence to Paul Eastham.Ethics declarations Competing interests The author declares no competing interests. Rights and permissionsReprints and permissionsAbout this articleCite this articleEastham, P. Dots of entropy. Nat. Phys. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03200-yDownload citationPublished: 04 March 2026Version of record: 04 March 2026DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03200-yShare this articleAnyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:Get shareable linkSorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.Copy shareable link to clipboard Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Non-equilibrium entropy production and information dissipation in a non-Markovian quantum dot Yuejun ShenChutian ChenAaron M.

Lindenberg Nature Physics Article 09 Feb 2026

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Dots of entropy

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