Universal approach to quantum thermodynamics in the strong coupling regime

Abstract

We present a protocol for the study of the dynamics and thermodynamics of quantum systems strongly coupled to a bath and subject to an external modulation. Our protocol quantifies the evolution of the system-bath composite by expanding the full density matrix as a series in the powers of the modulation rate, from which the functional form of work, heat and entropy rates can be obtained. Under slow driving, thermodynamic laws are established. The entropy production rate is positive and is found to be related to the excess work dissipated by friction, at least up to second order in the driving speed. As an example of the present methodology, we reproduce the results for the quantum thermodynamics of the driven resonance level model. We also emphasize that our formalism is quite general and allows for electron-electron interactions, which can give rise to exotic Kondo resonances appearing in thermodynamic quantities. arXiv:1808.08176v1 [cond-mat.stat-mech]

Measurability of nonequilibrium thermodynamics in terms of the Hamiltonian of mean force

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“…But as discussed above, this choice is not unique if one only requires the differences in thermodynamic state functions to be reproduced and not their absolute value. We note that related questions arise on the ongoing discussion of how to correctly account for the interaction energy in simple mesoscopic systems [21][22][23][55][56][57][58][59].…”

Signature of the transition to a bound state in thermoelectric quantum transport

“…We are particularly interested in the regime of strong coupling between the dot and reservoirs, see e.g. Refs [12][13][14][15][16][17][18], because one expects that stronger coupling allows for larger currents, and hence larger power output of quantum dot heat-engines. This type of model has long been known to exhibit an infinite-lifetime state when the reservoir has a band edge.…”

Modeling Energy Transfer in Quantum Thermal Machines

“…The equations that describe the dynamics of the system and its interactions with the intermediate or "primary" bath are then solved explicitly. This idea has been implemented into various theoretical methods that are used to describe quantum thermal machines [6][7][8].…”

“…The team also considers interacting electronic systems, which pose even more interesting and challenging problems. Up until now, only a small number of studies have considered quantum thermodynamics in regimes that have both strong electron-electron interactions and strong system-bath coupling [7,8]. Brenes and co-workers tackle this difficult combination.…”