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Entropy production and thermalization in the one-atom maser
1Department of Physics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA.
Physical Review. E
|January 14, 2017
Summary
The Jaynes-Cummings model shows that atoms and cavity fields can reach different steady-state temperatures, seemingly violating energy conservation. This study demonstrates this is consistent with adiabatic insulation, with equilibration occurring at resonance.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Quantum thermodynamics
Background:
- The Jaynes-Cummings model describes the interaction between two-level atoms and a single-mode cavity field.
- A previous understanding suggested that maintaining different temperatures between subsystems might violate energy conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the apparent violation of energy conservation in the Jaynes-Cummings model.
- To analyze the role of quantum entropy production in understanding temperature differences.
Main Methods:
- Calculation of quantum entropy production.
- Analysis of system dynamics in the steady state.
Main Results:
- The steady-state temperature difference between atoms and the cavity field is consistent with adiabatic insulation.
- At resonance, the insulation is removed, leading to temperature equilibration.
Conclusions:
- The observed temperature differences in the Jaynes-Cummings model do not violate energy conservation.
- Adiabatic insulation plays a key role in the system's approach to a steady state.
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