Role of the superposition principle for enhancing the efficiency of the quantum-mechanical Carnot engine

TL;DR

This paper explores how the superposition principle can enhance the efficiency of a quantum-mechanical Carnot engine, revealing that superposition can increase efficiency but may reduce efficiency at maximum power.

Contribution

It demonstrates that superposition of quantum states can improve the efficiency of quantum engines and analyzes the effects on maximum power output.

Findings

Superposition increases the engine's efficiency.

Efficiency at maximum power is lower with superposition.

Finite-time processes are analyzed for practical implications.

Abstract

A role of the superposition principle is discussed for the quantum-mechanical Carnot engine introduced by Bender, Brody, and Meister [J. Phys. A 33, 4427 (2000)]. It is shown that the efficiency of the engine can be enhanced by superposition of quantum states. A finite-time process is also discussed, and the condition of the maximum power output is presented. Interestingly, the efficiency at the maximum power is lower than that without superposition.