Quantum Thermodynamics with Degenerate Eigenstate Coherences

TL;DR

This paper develops quantum thermodynamics for systems with degeneracies, deriving fundamental laws and fluctuation theorems, and demonstrates the importance of eigenbasis coherences in electron transport through a double quantum dot model.

Contribution

It introduces a framework for quantum thermodynamics in degenerate systems and highlights the role of eigenbasis coherences in thermodynamic behavior and electron counting statistics.

Findings

Eigenbasis coherences significantly influence thermodynamic processes.

Derived first and second laws for degenerate quantum systems.

Established a finite-time fluctuation theorem for energy and matter currents.

Abstract

We establish quantum thermodynamics for open quantum systems weakly coupled to their reservoirs when the system exhibits degeneracies. The first and second law of thermodynamics are derived, as well as a finite-time fluctuation theorem for mechanical work and energy and matter currents. Using a double quantum dot junction model, local eigenbasis coherences are shown to play a crucial role on thermodynamics and on the electron counting statistics.