# Quantum thermal absorption machines: refrigerators, engines and clocks

## TL;DR

This paper introduces quantum thermal absorption machines, including refrigerators, engines, and clocks, highlighting their potential for autonomous operation and quantum-enhanced thermodynamic tasks.

## Contribution

It provides a comprehensive pedagogical overview of quantum absorption machines, detailing their functioning and significance in quantum thermodynamics.

## Key findings

- Quantum absorption machines operate autonomously using heat flows.
- They can perform tasks like cooling, work extraction, and timekeeping.
- The paper clarifies the physics underlying these quantum devices.

## Abstract

The inexorable miniaturisation of technologies, the relentless drive to improve efficiency and the enticing prospect of boosting performance through quantum effects are all compelling reasons to investigate microscopic machines. Thermal absorption machines are a particularly interesting class of device that operate autonomously and use only heat flows to perform a useful task. In the quantum regime, this provides a natural setting in which to quantify the thermodynamic cost of various operations such as cooling, timekeeping or entanglement generation. This article presents a pedagogical introduction to the physics of quantum absorption machines, covering refrigerators, engines and clocks in detail.