Abstract: In this paper we examine some foundational issues of a class of quantum engines where the system consists of a single quantum parametric oscillator, operating in an Otto cycle consisting of 4 stages of two alternating phases: the isentropic phase is detached from any bath (thus a closed system) where the natural frequency of the oscillator is changed from one value to another, and the isothermal phase where the system (now rendered open) is put in contact with one or two squeezed baths of different temperatures, whose nonequilibrium dynamics fo...
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Topics: 
Quantum mechanics
Statistical physics