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arXiv · 1612.05586

Quantum Performance of Thermal Machines over Many Cycles

Gentaro Watanabe·B. Prasanna Venkatesh·Peter Talkner·Adolfo del Campo
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Abstract

The performance of quantum heat engines is generally based on the analysis of a single cycle. We challenge this approach by showing that the total work performed by a quantum engine need not be proportional to the number of cycles. Furthermore, optimizing the engine over multiple cycles leads to the identification of scenarios with a quantum enhancement. We demonstrate our findings with a quantum Otto engine based on a two-level system as the working substance that supplies power to an external oscillator.

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Gentaro Watanabe, B. Prasanna Venkatesh, Peter Talkner, Adolfo del Campo. 2016-12-16. Quantum Performance of Thermal Machines over Many Cycles. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.118.050601

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