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Quantum Heat Engines Using Superconducting Quantum Circuits

H. T. Quan·Y. D. Wang·Yu-xi Liu·C. P. Sun·Franco Nori
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Abstract

We propose a quantum analog of the internal combustion engine used in most cars. Specifically, we study how to implement the Otto-type quantum heat engine (QHE) with the assistance of a Maxwell's demon. Three steps are required: thermalization, quantum measurement, and quantum feedback controlled by the Maxwell demon. We derive the positive-work condition of this composite QHE. Our QHE can be constructed using superconducting quantum circuits. We explicitly demonstrate the essential role of the demon in this macroscopic QHE.

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H. T. Quan, Y. D. Wang, Yu-xi Liu, C. P. Sun, Franco Nori. 2006-09-14. Quantum Heat Engines Using Superconducting Quantum Circuits. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.97.180402

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