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arXiv · 1601.08137

Otto engine beyond its standard quantum limit

Bruno Leggio·Mauro Antezza
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Abstract

We propose a quantum Otto cycle based on the properties of a two-level system in a realistic out-of-thermal-equilibrium electromagnetic field acting as its sole reservoir. This steady configuration is produced without the need of active control over the state of the environment, which is a non-coherent thermal radiation, sustained only by external heat supplied to macroscopic objects. Remarkably, even for non-ideal finite-time transformations, it largely over-performs the standard ideal Otto cycle, and asymptotically achieves unit efficiency at finite power.

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Bruno Leggio, Mauro Antezza. 2016-02-16. Otto engine beyond its standard quantum limit. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.93.022122

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