We study how a quantum heat engine performs across the critical value of an external parameter, pertaining to the quantum phase transition. Considering a two-ion system subjected to a magnetic field, we show that the system performs in a quantum Otto cycle above a critical value of the magnetic field, while below such critical point, it does not operate in a heat cycle at all. Moreover, at the critical point, its interaction with an ancillary ion deteriorates the performance of the system as a heat engine. We further show that a strong interaction between the constituent ions of an ion-based system is crucial for it to work in a heat-work cycle, while the coupling to the ancillary system must be minimized.

• Received 26 June 2018
• Revised 20 August 2018

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.98.052147