Thermodynamic performance of a periodically driven harmonic oscillator correlated with the baths

We consider a harmonic oscillator under periodic driving and coupled to two harmonic-oscillator heat baths at different temperatures. We use the thermofield transformation with chain mapping for this setup, which allows us to study the unitary evolution of the system and the baths up to a time when the periodic steady state emerges in the system. We characterize this periodic steady state, and we show that, by tuning the system and the bath parameters, one can turn this system from an engine to an accelerator or even to a heater. The possibility to study the unitary evolution of the system and baths also allows us to evaluate the steady correlations that build between the system and the baths, and correlations that grow between the baths.

Automated summary

The study examines a harmonic oscillator under periodic driving and coupled to two harmonic-oscillator heat baths at different temperatures. By tuning parameters, the system can be transformed from an engine to an accelerator or even to a heater. Through studying the unitary evolution of the system and baths, steady correlations between the system and baths, as well as correlations between the baths, can be evaluated.