Advantages of non-Hookean coupling in a measurement-fueled two-oscillator engine

Abstract

A quantum engine composed of two oscillators with a non-Hookean coupling is proposed. Unlike the more common quantum heat engines, the setup introduced here does not require heat baths as the energy for the operation originates from measurements. The engine follows the coupling $\rightarrow$ measurement $\rightarrow$ decoupling $\rightarrow$ extraction cycle. Using a Gaussian term as a prototypical non-harmonic interaction, it is shown that the fueling process facilitates the decoupling step. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the measurement-driven fueling, as well as the reduced decoupling energy.