Describing the thermodynamic properties of quantum systems far from equilibrium is challenging, in particular when the system is strongly coupled to its environment, or when memory effects cannot be neglected. Here, we address such regimes when the system-bath couplings are periodically modulated in time. We show that the couplings modulation, usually associated with a purely dissipative effect, can be suitably engineered to perform thermodynamic tasks. In particular, asymmetric couplings to two heat baths can be used to extract heat from the cold reservoir and to realize an ideal heat rectifier, where the heat current can be blocked either in the forward or in the reverse configuration by simply tuning the frequency of the couplings modulation. Interestingly, both effects take place in the low-temperature, quantum non-Markovian regime. Our work paves the way for the use of optimal control techniques for heat engines and refrigerators working in regimes beyond standard approaches.

Engineering Dynamical Couplings for Quantum Thermodynamic Tasks

Maura Sassetti
2022-01-01

Abstract

Describing the thermodynamic properties of quantum systems far from equilibrium is challenging, in particular when the system is strongly coupled to its environment, or when memory effects cannot be neglected. Here, we address such regimes when the system-bath couplings are periodically modulated in time. We show that the couplings modulation, usually associated with a purely dissipative effect, can be suitably engineered to perform thermodynamic tasks. In particular, asymmetric couplings to two heat baths can be used to extract heat from the cold reservoir and to realize an ideal heat rectifier, where the heat current can be blocked either in the forward or in the reverse configuration by simply tuning the frequency of the couplings modulation. Interestingly, both effects take place in the low-temperature, quantum non-Markovian regime. Our work paves the way for the use of optimal control techniques for heat engines and refrigerators working in regimes beyond standard approaches.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
PRXQuantum.3.010323.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: articolo
Tipologia: Documento in versione editoriale
Dimensione 1.1 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.1 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11567/1069389
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 25
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 25
social impact