A non-equilibrium quantum many-body Rydberg atom engine

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel out-of-equilibrium quantum engine using Rydberg atoms, capable of producing work through many-body interactions, offering new insights into quantum thermodynamics beyond traditional heat engines.

Contribution

The paper presents the first proposal of a non-equilibrium Rydberg atom engine that operates as an isothermal machine driven by many-body interactions, expanding the scope of quantum thermodynamic devices.

Findings

Simulations demonstrate work production in the proposed system.

The engine operates as an isothermal machine, not a heat engine.

The setup offers a platform for exploring quantum thermodynamics and microscopic machines.

Abstract

The standard approach to quantum engines is based on equilibrium systems and on thermodynamic transformations between Gibbs states. However, non-equilibrium quantum systems offer enhanced experimental flexibility in the control of their parameters and, if used as engines, a more direct interpretation of the type of work they deliver. Here we introduce an out-of-equilibrium quantum engine inspired by recent experiments with cold atoms. Our system is connected to a single environment and produces mechanical work from many-body interparticle interactions arising between atoms in highly excited Rydberg states. As such, it is not a heat engine but an isothermal one. We perform many-body simulations to show that this system can produce work. The setup we introduce and investigate represents a promising platform for devising new types of microscopic machines and for exploring quantum effects in thermodynamic processes.