Abstract: The manifestations of the three laws of thermodynamics are explored in a model of an irreversible quantum heat engine. The engine is composed of a three-level system simultaneously coupled to hot and cold heat baths, and driven by an oscillating external field. General quantum heat baths are considered, which are weakly coupled to the three-level system. The work reservoir is modeled by a classical electro-magnetic field of arbitrary intensity, which is driving the three-level system. The first law of thermodynamics is related to the rate of ch...
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Topics: 
Thermodynamics