Efficiency at Maximum Power of Laser Quantum Heat Engine Enhanced by Noise-Induced Coherence

TL;DR

This paper investigates how quantum coherence can enhance the efficiency and power of quantum heat engines, specifically using a 3-level maser model, and demonstrates bounds on performance influenced by system-bath interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a 4-level maser model showing that quantum coherence can improve maximum power and efficiency beyond classical limits.

Findings

Performance bounds depend on system-bath coupling ratios.

Adding a 4th level enhances power and efficiency.

Quantum coherence plays a crucial role in thermodynamic performance.

Abstract

Quantum coherence has been demonstrated in various systems including organic solar cells and solid state devices. In this letter, we report the lower and upper bounds for the performance of quantum heat engines determined by the efficiency at maximum power. Our prediction based on the canonical 3-level Scovil and Schulz-Dubois maser model strongly depends on the ratio of system-bath couplings for the hot and cold baths and recovers the theoretical bounds established previously for the Carnot engine. Further, introducing a 4-th level to the maser model can enhance the maximal power and its efficiency, thus demonstrating the importance of quantum coherence in the thermodynamics and operation of the heat engines beyond the classical limit.