Hybrid quantum thermal machines with dynamical couplings

TL;DR

This paper introduces a three-terminal quantum thermal machine with a quantum harmonic oscillator as the working medium, capable of performing multiple thermodynamic tasks simultaneously and switching modes via driving frequency adjustments.

Contribution

It presents a novel hybrid quantum thermal machine with tunable operational modes and demonstrates its potential as a high-performance quantum transistor.

Findings

Efficient operation in pure and hybrid modes.

Ability to switch modes by changing driving frequency.

Potential application as a quantum transistor.

Abstract

Quantum thermal machines can perform useful tasks, such as delivering power, cooling, or heating. In this work, we consider hybrid thermal machines, that can execute more than one task simultaneously. We characterize and find optimal working conditions for a three-terminal quantum thermal machine, where the working medium is a quantum harmonic oscillator, coupled to three heat baths, with two of the couplings driven periodically in time. We show that it is possible to operate the thermal machine efficiently, in both pure and hybrid modes, and to switch between different operational modes simply by changing the driving frequency. Moreover, the proposed setup can also be used as a high-performance transistor, in terms of output--to--input signal and differential gain. Due to its versatility and tunability, our model may be of interest for engineering thermodynamic tasks and for thermal management in quantum technologies.