Minimal universal quantum heat machine
Abstract
In traditional thermodynamics the Carnot cycle yields the ideal performance bound of heat engines and refrigerators. We propose and analyze a minimal model of a heat machine that can play a similar role in quantum regimes. The minimal model consists of a single two-level system with periodically modulated energy splitting that is permanently, weakly, coupled to two spectrally-separated heat baths at different temperatures. The equation of motion allows to compute the stationary power and heat currents in the machine consistently with the second-law of thermodynamics. This dual-purpose machine can act as either an engine or a refrigerator (heat pump) depending on the modulation rate. In both modes of operation the maximal Carnot efficiency is reached at zero power. We study the conditions for finite-time optimal performance for several variants of the model. Possible realizations of the model are discussed.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1209.1190,
title = {Minimal universal quantum heat machine},
author = {David Gelbwaser-Klimovsky and Robert Alicki and Gershon Kurizki},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1209.1190},
year = {2013}
}