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arXiv · 1201.0688

Role of the superposition principle for enhancing the efficiency of the quantum-mechanical Carnot engine

Sumiyoshi Abe·Shinji Okuyama
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Abstract

A role of the superposition principle is discussed for the quantum-mechanical Carnot engine introduced by Bender, Brody, and Meister [J. Phys. A 33, 4427 (2000)]. It is shown that the efficiency of the engine can be enhanced by superposition of quantum states. A finite-time process is also discussed, and the condition of the maximum power output is presented. Interestingly, the efficiency at the maximum power is lower than that without superposition.

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Sumiyoshi Abe, Shinji Okuyama. 2012-01-03. Role of the superposition principle for enhancing the efficiency of the quantum-mechanical Carnot engine. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.85.011104

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