Engineering dynamical couplings for quantum thermodynamic tasks

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how periodically modulating system-bath couplings in quantum systems enables thermodynamic tasks like heat extraction and rectification, especially in non-Markovian, low-temperature regimes.

Contribution

It introduces a method to engineer quantum thermodynamic tasks through coupling modulation, extending control techniques beyond traditional approaches.

Findings

Asymmetric couplings enable heat extraction from cold reservoirs.

Coupling modulation can block heat flow in desired directions.

Effects are observed in low-temperature, non-Markovian quantum regimes.

Abstract

Describing the thermodynamic properties of quantum systems far from equilibrium is challenging, in particular when the system is strongly coupled to its environment, or when memory effects cannot be neglected. Here, we address such regimes when the system-baths couplings are periodically modulated in time. We show that the couplings modulation, usually associated to a purely dissipative effect when done nonadiabatically, can be suitably engineered to perform thermodynamic tasks. In particular, asymmetric couplings to two heat baths can be used to extract heat from the cold reservoir and to realize an ideal heat rectifier, where the heat current can be blocked either in the forward or in the reverse configuration by simply tuning the frequency of the couplings modulation. Interestingly, both effects take place in the low-temperature, quantum non Markovian regime. Our work paves the way for the use of optimal control techniques for heat engines and refrigerators working in regimes beyond standard approaches.