Re-examining the self-contained quantum refrigerator in the strong-coupling regime

TL;DR

This paper investigates how strong internal coupling affects the performance and thermodynamic behavior of a self-contained quantum refrigerator, revealing reduced cooling ability and contrasting behaviors with weak-coupling scenarios.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the quantum refrigerator in the strong-coupling regime using the quantum optical master equation, highlighting new thermodynamic insights.

Findings

Strong internal coupling reduces cooling efficiency.

Contrasts with weak-coupling thermodynamic behavior.

Strong coupling can lead to opposite effects on refrigeration.

Abstract

We revisit the self-contained quantum refrigerator in the strong-internal-coupling regime by employing the quantum optical master equation. It is shown that strong internal coupling reduces the cooling ability of the refrigerator. In contrast to the weak-coupling case, strong internal coupling could lead to quite different and even converse thermodynamic behaviors.