Implementation of transmission functions for an optimized three-terminal quantum dot heat engine

TL;DR

This paper explores modifications to a three-terminal quantum dot heat engine, focusing on the thermalization assumption and quantum dot arrangements to enhance power output.

Contribution

It introduces optimized quantum dot configurations that improve the heat engine's power, challenging the necessity of thermalization assumptions.

Findings

Maximum power can be doubled with optimal quantum dot arrangements.

Transmission function improvements lead to higher efficiency.

Thermalization assumption may not be necessary for optimal performance.

Abstract

We consider two modifications of a recently proposed three-terminal quantum dot heat engine. First, we investigate the necessity of the thermalization assumption, namely that electrons are always thermalized by inelastic processes when traveling across the cavity where the heat is supplied. Second, we analyze various arrangements of tunneling-coupled quantum dots in order to implement a transmission function that is superior to the Lorentzian transmission function of a single quantum dot. We show that the maximum power of the heat engine can be improved by about a factor of two, even for a small number of dots, by choosing an optimal structure.