Gain-assisted quantum heat engine based on electromagnetically induced transparency

Abstract

We present a scheme to realize a gain-assisted quantum heat engine (QHE) based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). The QHE consists of a three-level { Λ}-type atomic system that interacts with two thermal reservoirs and a coupling field. The gain without inversion is induced in the system via spontaneously generated coherence (SGC) between two lower levels. The SGC has a significant effect on the system's dynamics, resulting in an enhancement of the emission cross-section and spectral brightness of the QHE.