Maximum-power quantum-mechanical Carnot engine

TL;DR

This paper explores the maximum power output of a quantum Carnot engine modeled by a particle in a potential well, revealing a universal efficiency at maximum power independent of specific parameters.

Contribution

It develops a framework for achieving maximum power in a quantum Carnot engine with a moving potential well, extending previous models.

Findings

Maximum power is achieved when the well width moves at low finite speed.

The efficiency at maximum power is universal, independent of model parameters.

The study provides insights into quantum thermodynamic cycle optimization.

Abstract

In their work [J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 33, 4427 (2000)], Bender, Brody, and Meister have shown by employing a two-state model of a particle confined in the one-dimensional infinite potential well that it is possible to construct a quantum-mechanical analog of the Carnot engine through the changes of both the width of the well and the quantum state in a specific manner. Here, a discussion is developed about realizing the maximum power of such an engine, where the width of the well moves at low but finite speed. The efficiency of the engine at the maximum power output is found to be universal independently of any of the parameters contained in the model.