Quantum Szilard Engine with Attractively Interacting Bosons

Phys Rev Lett. 2018 Mar 9;120(10):100601. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.100601.

Abstract

We show that a quantum Szilard engine containing many bosons with attractive interactions enhances the conversion between information and work. Using an ab initio approach to the full quantum-mechanical many-body problem, we find that the average work output increases significantly for a larger number of bosons. The highest overshoot occurs at a finite temperature, demonstrating how thermal and quantum effects conspire to enhance the conversion between information and work. The predicted effects occur over a broad range of interaction strengths and temperatures.