Quantum features and signatures of quantum-thermal machines

TL;DR

This chapter explores how quantum phenomena influence microscopic thermal machines, highlighting quantum signatures and non-classical behaviors that distinguish them from classical thermodynamic systems.

Contribution

It provides an overview of quantum features affecting thermal machines and identifies quantum thermodynamic signatures through violations of classical bounds.

Findings

Quantum coherence affects machine efficiency

Quantum correlations reveal non-classical behavior

Experimental setups demonstrate quantum signatures

Abstract

The aim of this book chapter is to indicate how quantum phenomena are affecting the operation of microscopic thermal machines, such as engines and refrigerators. As converting heat to work is one of the fundamental concerns in thermodynamics, the platform of quantum-thermal machines sheds light on thermodynamics in the quantum regime. This chapter focuses on the basic features of quantum mechanics, such as energy quantization, the uncertainty principle, quantum coherence and correlations, and their manifestation in microscopic thermal devices. In addition to indicating the peculiar behaviors of thermal-machines due to their non-classical features, we present quantum-thermodynamic signatures of these machines. Any violation of the classical bounds on thermodynamic measurements of these machines is a sufficient condition to conclude that quantum effects are present in the operation of that thermal machine. Experimental setups demonstrating some of the results are also presented.