Generation of non-equilibrium thermal quantum discord and entanglement in a three-spin XX chain by multi-spin interaction and an external magnetic field

The generation of non-equilibrium thermal quantum discord and entanglement is investigated in a three-spin chain whose two end spins are respectively coupled to two thermal reservoirs at different temperatures. We show that the spin chain can be decoupled from the thermal reservoirs by homogeneously applying a magnetic field and including a strong three-spin interaction, and then the maximal steady-state quantum discord and entanglement in the two end spins can always be created. In addition, the present investigation may provide a useful approach to control coupling between a quantum system and its environment.