Exploring the role of asymmetric-pulse modulation in quantum thermal machines and quantum thermometry

Abstract

We explore the advantages of using an asymmetric pulse modulation on a two-level system (TLS) coupled to one or more thermal baths in the context of quantum thermal machines and thermometry. For a thermal machine constructed by coupling the TLS to two thermal baths, we demonstrate that the asymmetric pulse provides an extra degree of control over the mode of operation of the thermal machine. Further, we also show that an asymmetric pulse may provide superior optimality in a recently proposed protocol for quantum thermometry, where dynamical control has been shown to enhance the precision of measurement.