Researchers identify reliability limits for quantum batteries

An international team of researchers has identified fundamental limits regarding the reliability of quantum batteries. The study reveals that quantum mechanics prevents a battery from delivering energy and power with perfect stability simultaneously. Specifically, increasing the charging power of a quantum battery can lead to increased fluctuations in its output.

Unlike conventional chemical batteries, quantum batteries utilize quantum systems to store and transfer energy, potentially offering faster charging and higher power for quantum processors and sensing technologies. However, current proof-of-concept models only hold energy for nanoseconds or microseconds.

The research, which includes scientists from the University of Oulu and the Institute of Photonic Sciences ICFO, found that work and power are represented by non-commuting operators in closed quantum batteries. This relationship creates a quantum-mechanical uncertainty that prevents fluctuations in delivered energy and power from both being minimized at the same time. The findings suggest that charging methods can be used as a tool to balance the need for high power with stable energy delivery.