Quantum machines using $\rm{Cu}_{3}$-like compounds modeled by Heisenberg antiferromagnetic in a triangular ring

TL;DR

This paper models Cu3-like compounds as quantum machines using the Heisenberg antiferromagnetic model, analyzing their magnetocaloric effects and operational modes as heat engines or refrigerators under varying magnetic fields.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for quantum machines based on Cu3-like compounds, exploring their thermodynamic behavior and efficiency influenced by magnetocaloric effects.

Findings

Significant magnetocaloric effect at low temperatures (~1K) under 5T magnetic field.

Cu3-As and Cu3-Sb compounds exhibit similar thermodynamic behavior.

Enhanced MCE broadens operational regions for quantum heat engines and refrigerators.

Abstract

A theoretical study of an antiferromagnetically coupled spin system, specifically $\rm{Cu}_{3}-\rm{X}$ $(\rm{X=As, Sb})$, characterized by a slightly distorted equilateral triangle configuration is presented. Using the Heisenberg model with exchange and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, g-factors, and an external magnetic field, three quantum machines are investigated using this system as the working substance, assuming reversible processes. For ${\rm{Cu}_{3}-\rm{X}}$ he magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is significant at low temperatures (around 1K) under a perpendicular magnetic field ($\sim5$T). Although only the $\rm{Cu}_{3}-\rm{As}$ compound is considered, since the $\rm{Cu}_{3}-\rm{Sb}$ compound behaves quite similarly. How MCE influences the Carnot machine, which operates as a heat engine or refrigerator when varying the external magnetic field is analyzed. In contrast, the Otto and Stirling machines can operate as heat engines, refrigerators, heaters, or thermal accelerators, depending on the magnetic field intensity. The results indicate that enhanced MCE broadens the operating regions for these machines, with the Otto and Stirling machines primarily functioning as refrigerators and accelerators. The corresponding thermal efficiencies are also discussed for all operating modes.