Quantum
batteries
Quantum batteries harness the principles of quantum mechanics to
transfer, store and release energy within quantum systems on
demand. Emerging from foundational research at the intersection
of quantum physics, thermodynamics and information theory, the
field of quantum batteries introduces new principles for energy
manipulation rooted in quantum mechanics. This rapidly expanding
field of research spans foundational studies on the
thermodynamic limits of battery performance and the potential
for quantum advantage, alongside the development of theoretical
models and the design of innovative architectures for
experimental proof-of-principle demonstrations [1].
Our work in this field include a micromaser quantum battery
model [2], the characterization and simulation of a cyclic
quantum battery on quantum hardware [3], strong coupling with a
reservoir [4], quantum advantage in the efficiency in Gaussian
quantum batteries [5], and enhancement of work extraction for a
continuously monitored environment [6]
A quantum battery (right) is charged by a quantum charger (left)
inside a cavity. Light particles (photons) escaping from the cavity
are continuously detected by a "Maxwell's demon." Surprisingly, this
information can be used to improve the battery's performance,
allowing more useful energy to be extracted than in the idealized
case where no photons escape into the external environment [6].
References
[1] D. Ferraro, F. Cavaliere, M. G. Genoni, G. Benenti and M.
Sassetti, Opportunities and challenges of quantum batteries,
Nature Reviews Physics 8, 115 (2026) [This work inspired the cover
of Nature Reviews Physics, February 2026].
[2] V. Shaghaghi, V. Singh, G. Benenti and D. Rosa, Micromasers as
quantum batteries, Quantum Sci. Technol. 7, 04LT01 (2022) [the
paper has been reported in several science and technology
journals, including Phys.org, ScienceDaily, and Science Magazine,
as well as in the online newspaper The Independent]..
[3] L. Razzoli, G. Gemme, I. Khomchenko, M. Sassetti, H. Ouerdane,
D. Ferraro and G. Benenti, Cyclic solid-state quantum battery:
Thermodynamic characterization and quantum hardware simulation,
Quantum Sci. Technol. 10, 015064 (2025).
[4] F. Cavaliere, G. Gemme, G. Benenti, D. Ferraro and M.
Sassetti, Dynamical blockade of a reservoir for optimal
performances of a quantum battery, Commun Phys 8, 76 (2025).
[5] F. Cavaliere, D. Ferraro, M. Carrega, G. Benenti and M.
Sassetti Quantum advantage bounds for a multipartite Gaussian
battery, Phys. Rev. Res. 8, 033045 (2026).
[6] G. Cenedese, G. Benenti, D. Ferraro and M. G. Genoni, Boosting
work extraction in quantum batteries via continuous environment
monitoring, Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 050406 (2026).