Quantum heat engine

A quantum system coupled to a heat reservoir.

Generalizes the gas in the original Carnot heat engine.

The quantum system is usually in contact with a second heat reservoir at a different temperature.

Work is done by alternately coupling and decoupling the quantum system to this second heat reservoir.

In this way, heat is converted into work, and the Quantum heat engine can be used to power a device or perform some other useful task.