01
Quantum nonlocality
What makes quantum correlations different?
Symmetry and polyhedral optimization help turn multipartite Bell inequalities into noise-robust, experimentally feasible tests of correlations beyond classical physics.
THEORETICAL PHYSICIST · LEIDEN UNIVERSITY
Jinfu Chen
Understand control and optimize
quantum systems
Exploring the correlations, dynamics, and thermodynamic limits that make the quantum world different.
01 / RESEARCH
Small systems
Fundamental questions
From the limits of classical correlations to faster thermalization and more efficient control, I study what quantum systems can do, and how to make them do it.
02
Many-body thermalization
How quickly can a quantum system relax?
By shaping dissipation and optimizing Lindbladian spectral gaps, I develop ways to prepare thermal states faster. Tensor networks make these questions accessible beyond small systems.
03
Thermodynamic geometry
How much does it cost to go faster?
Geometric methods identify low-dissipation control protocols, revealing how finite operating time limits the power and efficiency of quantum and Brownian heat engines.
04
Thermodynamics and generative AI
Can thermodynamics improve learning and sampling?
Building on stochastic and finite-time thermodynamics, this direction explores how low-dissipation protocols and optimal control can improve learning and sampling in generative AI, including diffusion models and Transformers.
02 / SELECTED WORKS
Selected Works
012026
Boosting thermalization of classical and quantum many-body systems
Designing the coupling to an environment offers a way to prepare many-body thermal states faster while preserving the target equilibrium state.
022025
Optimizing quantum violation for multipartite facet Bell inequalities
Systematic optimization helps identify multipartite Bell tests with stronger quantum violations, supporting the search for experimentally useful nonlocality witnesses.
032025
Spectral gap optimization for enhanced adiabatic state preparation
Optimizing spectral gaps along a preparation path helps reduce the bottlenecks that make adiabatic quantum-state preparation slow.
042023
Geodesic lower bound of the energy consumption to achieve membrane separation within finite time
A geometric bound quantifies the extra energy needed for fast membrane separation and identifies paths that reduce that cost.
03 / ABOUT ME
A geometric perspective
on the quantum world
I am a postdoctoral researcher at Leiden University’s Lorentz Institute, working with Jordi Tura. My research connects quantum information, nonequilibrium statistical physics, and optimal control.
My path began with physics and mathematics at Peking University, followed by a Ph.D. at the Beijing Computational Science Research Center and postdoctoral research with H. T. Quan at Peking University.
Academic background & CV04 / PRESENTATIONS
Presentations
Jan. 20-21, 2026Talk
Optimizing quantum violation for multipartite facet Bell inequalities
Veldhoven, The NetherlandsSep. 22-25, 2025Talk
Jul. 14, 2025Contributed talk