Quantum transport
Quantum Materials as Platforms for Fundamental Physics
David Carpentier, Edmond Orignac
We use quantum materials to study fundamental quantum phenomena such as heat transport and quantum anomalies.
Building on materials like Bechgaard salts—where electrical conductivity exhibits Tomonaga–Luttinger–liquid signatures—we investigate thermal transport in coupled spin and fermionic chains.
We also explore the thermal Hall effect in quasi-1D systems with curvature, motivated by recent magnetic-system observations.
Using curved-spacetime formalisms, we simulate quantum-vacuum phenomena including the dynamical Casimir and Unruh effects.
Engineering Energy Flows in Quantum Materials
David Carpentier, Sylvain Hermelin, Benjamin Huard
We study how quantum materials can be used to control and enhance energy transport.
Our work focuses on nonreciprocal optical properties in topological materials, with applications ranging from improving solar-cell efficiency by reducing thermal losses to enabling passive cooling. Experiments will involve Weyl materials and electron–photon coupling in tunnel junctions.
To support improved scalability of superconducting qubits, we also design components that dissipate microwave signals efficiently at millikelvin temperatures while minimizing local heating.
Artificial Heat Baths and Quantum Thermodynamics
Sylvain Hermelin, Benjamin Huard
We engineer artificial heat baths by controlling dissipation in microwave resonators, enabling thermal excitation events to be triggered or recorded on demand. This approach may support maser operation beyond the standard quantum limit and open pathways to advanced experiments in quantum thermodynamics.