Quantum optical thermodynamic machines: Lasing as relaxation

Abstract

Motivated by the growing interest in the nanophysics and the field of quantum thermodynamics we study an open quantum system consisting of two spatially separated two-level atoms (spins) coupled to a quantum oscillator (resonator field mode). There is no external driving. The spins of different energy splittings are each linked to a heat bath with different temperature. We find that the temperature gradient imposed on the system together with the oscillator operating as a kind of work reservoir makes this system act as a thermodynamic machine, in particular, as a heat engine (laser). We analyze the properties of the resulting resonator field and of the engine functionality. For the latter problem we use recently developed definitions of heat flux and power as well as a test, in which the resulting field is used as an input for a heat pump.