Quantum finite-time thermodynamics: insight from a single qubit engine

TL;DR

This paper investigates the fundamental limits of quantum heat engines using a single qubit model, focusing on irreversibility, coherence, and the efficiency-power tradeoff in finite-time thermodynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum thermodynamics framework for finite-time cycles with a single qubit, emphasizing quantum effects on irreversibility and entropy production.

Findings

Quantum coherence influences entropy production.

Finite-time cycles reveal tradeoffs between efficiency and power.

Quantum heat transport causes irreversibility in the engine.

Abstract

Incorporating time into thermodynamics allows addressing the tradeoff between efficiency and power. A qubit engine serves as a toy model to study this tradeoff from first principles, based on the quantum theory of open systems. We study the quantum origin of irreversibility, originating from heat transport, quantum friction and thermalization in the presence of external driving. We construct various finite-time engine cycles based on the Otto and Carnot templates. Our analysis highlights the role of coherence and the quantum origin of entropy production.