# Critical-point behavior of a measurement-based quantum heat engine

## TL;DR

This paper investigates the behavior of a quantum heat engine near a quantum phase transition, revealing how critical points affect its operation and performance, especially in ion-based systems.

## Contribution

It demonstrates the impact of quantum criticality on heat engine performance and highlights the importance of ion interaction strength and ancillary coupling.

## Key findings

- Heat engine operates above a critical magnetic field value
- Performance deteriorates at the critical point due to ancillary interaction
- Strong ion-ion interaction is essential for engine operation

## Abstract

We study how a quantum heat engine performs across the critical value of an external parameter, pertaining to the quantum phase transition. Considering a two-ion system subjected to a magnetic field, we show that the system performs in a quantum Otto cycle above a critical value of the magnetic field, while below such critical point, it does not operate in a heat cycle at all. Moreover, at the critical point, its interaction with an ancillary ion deteriorates the performance of the system as a heat engine. We further show that a strong interaction between the constituent ions of an ion-based system is crucial for it to work in a heat-work cycle, while the coupling to the ancillary system must be minimized.