Quantum batteries will be able to break the rules of time and charge in a new way

In the world of science, the search for more efficient and innovative ways to store energy continues to lead to all kinds of ideas, and one of the fields that currently resonates the most is that of quantum batteries.

Operating at a microscopic level, these batteries go beyond the conventional rules of physics, especially when it comes to cause-and-effect relationships, and could change the way we think about energy storage.

So that you understand perfectly, quantum batteries work by storing energy in the quantum states of atoms and molecules instead of relying on materials such as lithium, used in conventional batteries.

A recent study from the University of Tokyo now highlights a key aspect of these batteries: its ability to break with traditional notions of time. In the quantum realm, where the rules change, time is no longer as linear as it is thought and they demonstrated that these batteries, by taking advantage of a quantum feature called “indefinite causal order”, can charge more efficiently by allowing multiple charging stages to occur. at once.

More efficient charging with greater stored energy thanks to quantum batteries

Yuanbo Chen, one of the researchers, explains that while traditional batteries follow classical laws, Quantum batteries, working with tiny particles governed by quantum principles, offer new ways to harness their potential.

“While chemical batteries are governed by the classical laws of physics, microscopic particles are quantum in nature, so we have the opportunity to explore ways of using them that bend or even break our intuitive notions of what happens at small “I’m particularly interested in the way quantum particles can work to break down one of our most fundamental experiences, that of time,” he explains.

In practical terms, scientists They recreated a large-scale quantum battery in the laboratory, using lasers and mirrors. In doing so, they demonstrated that undefined causal order can change the way these batteries charge, offering improved energy performance and thermal efficiency.

“We saw huge gains in both the energy stored in the system and thermal efficiency. And somewhat counterintuitively, we discovered the surprising effect of an interaction that is the inverse of what one might expect: a lower-power charger could provide higher higher with greater efficiency than a comparably higher power charger using the same device, they comment.