World's first superconducting quantum heat engine demonstrated, could enable massive quantum computers

AryHHAry · x · 2026-08-15

Researchers at Aalto University have demonstrated the world's first cyclic quantum heat engine built in a superconducting circuit. Operating near absolute zero, it converts quantum-scale heat into useful work using a transmon qubit as the working medium and a quantum-circuit refrigerator. The engine successfully mimics the Otto cycle. Future versions could run autonomously inside quantum computers, potentially eliminating costly and noisy microwave cables, paving the way for large-scale quantum computers.

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