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The second law, Maxwell's demon, and work derivable from quantum heat engines

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posted on 2024-07-26, 14:37 authored by Tien KieuTien Kieu
With a class of quantum heat engines which consists of two-energy-eigenstate systems undergoing, respectively, quantum adiabatic processes and energy exchanges with heat baths at different stages of a cycle, we are able to clarify some important aspects of the second law of thermodynamics. The quantum heat engines also offer a practical way, as an alternative to Szilard's engine, to physically realize Maxwell's demon. While respecting the second law on the average, they are also capable of extracting more work from the heat baths than is otherwise possible in thermal equilibrium.

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ISSN

0031-9007

Journal title

Physical Review Letters

Volume

93

Issue

14

Pagination

140403-

Publisher

American Physical Society

Copyright statement

Copyright © 2004 American Physical Society. The published version is reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

Language

eng

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