Photoelectric converters with quantum coherence

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that quantum coherence effects in a three-level quantum dot photoelectric converter can surpass traditional efficiency limits, offering a new approach to improving nano-scale solar energy devices.

Contribution

The study introduces a quantum dot-based photoelectric converter leveraging quantum coherence to exceed classical efficiency bounds at maximum power.

Findings

Quantum coherences can coexist steadily in nano-electronic systems.

Efficiency at maximum power can surpass Curzon-Ahlborn limit through quantum coherence manipulation.

Quantum effects enable improved performance in nano-sized photoelectric converters.

Abstract

Photon impingement is capable of liberating electrons in electronic devices and driving the electron flux from the lower chemical potential to higher chemical potential. Previous studies hinted that the thermodynamic efficiency of a nano-sized photoelectric converter at maximum power is bounded by the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency. In this study, we apply quantum effects to design a photoelectric converter based on a three-level quantum dot (QD) interacting with fermionic baths and photons. We show that, by adopting a pair of suitable degenerate states, quantum coherences induced by the couplings of quantum dots (QDs) to sunlight and fermion baths can coexist steadily in nano-electronic systems. Our analysis indicates that the efficiency at maximum power is no more limited to Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency through manipulation of carefully controlled quantum coherences.