https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-025-14745-2
Regular Article - Theoretical Physics
Coherent quantum work extraction of a relativistic battery as a probe for acceleration-induced Unruh thermality
1
School of Physical Science and Technology, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, 215009, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
2
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Pacific Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of British Columbia, 6224 Agriculture Rd., V6T 1Z1, Vancouver, BC, Canada
a
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b
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Received:
14
July
2025
Accepted:
5
September
2025
Published online:
17
September
2025
Abstract
We propose a physical scheme of a uniformly accelerated Unruh–DeWitt battery and utilize quantum work extraction as a probe to witness the thermal nature of the Unruh effect induced by the accelerated motion. By employing the open quantum system approach, we analyze the coherent and incoherent components of the ergotropy which is the maximum amount of quantum work extraction of the relativistic battery driven by a coherent field. It has been proved that the steady values of coherent quantum work extraction in the asymptotic condition is only determined by the acceleration-dependent Unruh temperature. The asymptotic behavior of coherent ergotropy can demonstrate the thermal nature of the Unruh effect with respect to the Kubo–Martin–Schwinger condition. Under the circumstance of the Unruh effect, we explore the effect of the phase of the coherent charging field on the dynamics of coherent ergotropy when the battery approaches to the same thermal equilibrium state. The variation in the phase of the coherent driving field can improve the energy storage capacity of a relativistic battery. From viewpoint of energy transfer, the relativistic battery is helpful to examine the Unruh thermality.
© The Author(s) 2025
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