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Quantum Otto-type heat engine with fixed frequency.

Richard Q Matos1, Rogério J de Assis2, Norton G de Almeida1

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This study explores a quantum Otto-cycle engine using a quantum harmonic oscillator. Increasing the squeezing parameter allows the engine to reach the Carnot efficiency limit, even at non-zero power.

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Area of Science:

  • Quantum thermodynamics
  • Statistical mechanics
  • Quantum optics

Background:

  • Quantum harmonic oscillators (QHO) are fundamental systems in quantum mechanics.
  • The Otto cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle analyzed for heat engines.
  • Previous studies often varied QHO frequency with squeezed reservoirs for work extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze an Otto-type cycle using a quantum harmonic oscillator (QHO) as the working substance.
  • To investigate the effect of parametric pumping controlled by a squeezing parameter.
  • To explore work extraction by thermalizing the QHO with a thermal reservoir.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing a quantum harmonic oscillator (QHO) as the working substance in an Otto-type cycle.
  • Implementing parametric pumping controlled by a squeezing parameter.
  • Thermalizing the QHO with a thermal reservoir during the cycle.
  • Analyzing entropy production during unitary strokes.

Main Results:

  • The squeezing parameter can be increased to reach the Carnot efficiency limit.
  • Carnot limit is achievable at non-zero power for specific squeezing parameters (e.g., r=0.4).
  • Positive/negative entropy changes correlate with increased/decreased engine efficiency.
  • Work extraction exceeding Carnot efficiency is impossible with thermal reservoirs, irrespective of quantum resources.

Conclusions:

  • Parametric pumping controlled by squeezing offers a novel approach to quantum heat engines.
  • The squeezing parameter is crucial for enhancing engine efficiency towards the Carnot limit.
  • Quantum resources do not permit surpassing the Carnot limit in this thermal reservoir setup.