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  • Open Access

Fate and origin of the quantum Otto heat engine based on the dissipative Dicke-Hubbard model

He-Guang Xu1 and Shujie Cheng2,3,*

  • *Contact author: chengsj@zjnu.edu.cn
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APS Open Sci. 1, 000212 – Published 12 November, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xftn-z5r1

Abstract

The Dicke-Hubbard model, describing an ensemble of interacting atoms in a cavity, provides a rich platform for exploring collective quantum phenomena. However, its potential for quantum thermodynamic applications remains largely uncharted. In this paper, a close connection between superradiance phase transition and the quantum thermodynamic applications of the Dicke-Hubbard model is established. Based on studies of the steady-state superradiant phase transition in the Dicke-Hubbard model and the thermodynamic mode of an Otto cycle with the Dicke-Hubbard model as the working substance, it is demonstrated that the steady-state synergistic mechanism under high- and low-temperature environments is the reason for the emergence of high-performance heat engines, while the competitive mechanism leads to the appearance of high-performance quantum refrigerators. A comparison of the thermodynamic behaviors of the Otto cycle with the Dicke model and the Dicke-Hubbard model as working substances reveals that the multicavity-coupled Dicke-Hubbard model achieves a higher coefficient of performance. These results not only deepen our understanding of the energy conversion mechanism in nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics but also lay a theoretical foundation for the future experimental design of high-performance quantum Otto heat engines and refrigerators.

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APS Open Sci. 1, 000212– Published 12 November, 2026
Vol. 1
  • Received 29 May 2026
  • Revised 23 August 2026
  • Accepted 15 October 2026
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