Observation of quantum strong Mpemba effect

An ancient and counterintuitive phenomenon known as the Mpemba effect (water can cool faster when initially heated up) showcases the critical role of initial conditions in relaxation processes. How to realize and utilize this effect for speeding up relaxation is an important but challenging task in purely quantum system till now. Here, we experimentally study the strong Mpemba effect in a single trapped ion system in which an exponentially accelerated relaxation in time is observed by preparing an optimal quantum initial state with no excitation of the slowest decaying mode. Also, we demonstrate that the condition of realizing such effect coincides with the Liouvillian exceptional point, featuring the…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 2023ZJ1010, 12174447, 2021ZD0301605, 12204543, 2024YFE0102400, 12174448, 11935006, 12004430, 2020RC4047, 12074433
• NU
  National University of Defense Technology