Subscribe now

Physics

Quantum batteries could charge better by breaking rules of causality

Taking advantage of a quantum phenomenon called indefinite causal order could make quantum batteries charge more efficiently

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

3 November 2023

In the quantum world, cause doesn’t always come before effect

Shutterstock / YanaBu

Quantum batteries could charge more efficiently by skirting conventional rules of causality.

Yuanbo Chen at the University of Tokyo and his colleagues analysed whether a particularly counterintuitive quantum phenomenon could play a role in powering quantum batteries – energy storage devices that could harness quantum effects.

In the classical world, causality goes in just one direction: if event A causes event B, then it is clear that B did not also cause A. But at the quantum scale, Chen says that it…

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account