Efficient protocol for the Markovian Mpemba effect in $N$-level systems

Abstract

The Mpemba effect is an anomalous phenomenon in which the time to thermalize does not depend monotonically on the distance from equilibrium, allowing systems with an initially larger temperature difference to thermalize before those with a smaller one. The rarity of the effect makes it hard to find parameters that produce it, complicating the design of experiments and the development of applications. Here, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for the Markovian Mpemba effect in three-level systems and explain its underlying physical mechanisms. Based on our understanding of the three-level case, we develop an efficient algorithm to determine the parameters for the effect in $N$-level systems. This protocol could open the door for the realization of Mpemba experiments and related applications in large systems.