Dynamics of an elementary quantum system in environments out of thermal equilibrium
arXiv:1205.6784 · doi:10.1209/0295-5075/100/20006
Abstract
We study the internal dynamics of an elementary quantum system placed close to a body held at a temperature different from that of the surrounding radiation. We derive general expressions for lifetime and density matrix valid for bodies of arbitrary geometry and dielectric permittivity. Out of equilibrium, the thermalization process and steady states become both qualitatively and quantitatively significantly different from the case of radiation at thermal equilibrium. For the case of a three-level atom close to a slab of finite thickness, we predict the occurrence of population inversion and an efficient cooling mechanism for the quantum system, whose effective internal temperature can be driven to values much lower than both involved temperatures. Our results show that non-equilibrium configurations provide new promising ways to control the state of an atomic system.
6 pages, 5 figures (extended version corresponding to the published one)
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Cited by in corpus (14)
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- Quantum thermal machines with single nonequilibrium environments
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- Quantum thermal machine acting on a many-body quantum system: role of correlations in thermodynamic tasks
- Robust entanglement with 3D nonreciprocal photonic topological insulators
- Otto engine beyond its standard quantum limit
- Steady entanglement out of thermal equilibrium
- Casimir-Lifshitz force out of thermal equilibrium between dielectric gratings
- Quantum systems in a stationary environment out of thermal equilibrium
- Non equilibrium dissipation-driven steady many-body entanglement
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