Harnessing long-range couplings for quantum technologies

In recent years, advancements in the manipulation and control of atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) systems have significantly expanded the study of long-range interacting quantum systems. Platforms such as Rydberg atoms, atoms in optical cavities and trapped ions have demonstrated the ability to realise many-body quantum systems featuring long-range couplings, making them promising candidates for quantum computing and simulation. This manuscript investigates the unique properties of these systems, with a focus on their potential to enhance quantum technologies by exploiting the long-range nature of the couplings. Specifically, we examine the application of long-range systems to enhance the power-to-efficiency ratio in quantum thermal devices, analyse their role in stabilising out-of-equilibrium phases such as discrete Floquet time-crystals, and characterise the scaling of entanglement in these systems. The results provide new insights into the potential of long-range interacting systems to overcome limitations faced by systems with local interactions, offering valuable pathways for the development of efficient quantum technologies.