The fundamentals of a quantum heat engine are derived from first principles. The study is based on the equation of motion of a minimum set of operators, which is then used to define the state of the system. The relation between the quantum framework and the thermodynamical observables is examined. A four-stroke heat engine model with a coupled two-level system as a working fluid is used to explore the fundamental relations. In the model used, the internal Hamiltonian does not commute with the external control field, which defines the two adiabatic branches. Heat is transferred to the working fluid by coupling to hot and cold reservoirs under constant field values. Explicit quantum equations of motion for the relevant observables are derived on all branches. The dynamics on the heat transfer constant field branches is solved in closed form. On the adiabats, a general numerical solution is used and compared with a particular analytic solution. These solutions are combined to construct the cycle of operation. The engine is then analyzed in terms of the frequency-entropy and entropy-temperature graphs. The irreversible nature of the engine is the result of finite heat transfer rates and frictionlike behavior due to noncommutability of the internal and external Hamiltonians.

• Received 11 February 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.68.016101