<u>Quantum Otto Engine with Interacting Particles</u>

The performance and operation of quantum heat engines differ from their classical analogues due to the unique effects that result from quantum mechanical phenomena. Hence, the study of these quantum phenomena and their impact on engine performance is important to the understanding of the thermodynamics of the quantum realm. The exchange statistics of indistinguishable particles is one such uniquely quantum property that can be exploited to enhance the thermodynamic efficiency and power output of a quantum heat engine. To this end, we examine a quantum Otto engine with a harmonic working medium that consists of two contact-interacting particles, either bosons or fermions. For scale-invariant driving, we explore the interplay between inter-particle interactions and wave function symmetry features on engine performance.