Quantum thermodynamics of Gross-Pitaevskii qubits

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Authors: Sebastian Deffner
Cited by: 2
References: 65

Abstract

What are the resources that can be leveraged for a thermodynamic device to exhibit genuine quantum advantage? Typically, the answer to this question is sought in quantum correlations. In the present work, we show that quantum Otto engines that operate with nonlinear qubits significantly outperform linear engines. To this end, we develop a comprehensive thermodynamic description of nonlinear qubits, starting with identifying the proper thermodynamic equilibrium state. We then show that for ideal cycles as well as at maximum power the efficiency of the nonlinear engine is significantly higher. Interestingly, nonlinear dynamics can be thought of as an effective description of a correlated, complex quantum many-body system. Hence, our findings corroborate common wisdom, while at the same time propose a design of more efficient quantum engines.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics Quantum and electron transport phenomena Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical review. E
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
113
Issue
4
Pages
044113–044113
Publication date
12 March 2026
Language
EN