The Quantum Szilard Engine: Interactions, Impurities and Dynamics

Sammanfattning: In this thesis, different aspects of the quantum Szilard engine are studied using the configuration interaction method. The engine is modelled as a one-dimensional infinite well. The effects of a contact-interaction are examined and it is found that attractive contact-interactions can improve the work output at certain temperatures of an engine that has bosons as a working medium. The role of impurities in the engine is investigated and found to have a large impact on the low-temperature behaviour of the engine. Dynamics of a single-particle engine are considered in order to identify finite-speed effects in the engine's cycle.