Roles of quantum coherences in thermal machines

TL;DR

This review explores how quantum coherences influence the performance of thermal machines, highlighting recent findings, general trends, and future research directions in quantum thermodynamics.

Contribution

It synthesizes recent developments on the role of quantum coherences in thermal machines, providing insights into their effects and potential for future applications.

Findings

Quantum coherences can enhance thermal machine efficiency.

Performance effects are model-dependent but show common tendencies.

Future research directions include optimizing coherence use in quantum thermodynamics.

Abstract

Some of the oldest and most important applications of thermodynamics are operations of refrigeration as well as production of useful energy. Part of the efforts to understand and develop thermodynamics in the quantum regime have been focusing on harnessing quantum effects to such operations. In this review we present the recent developments regarding the role of quantum coherences in the performances of thermal machines --the devices realising the above thermodynamic operations. While this is known to be an intricate subject, in part because being largely model-dependent, the review of the recent results allow us to identify some general tendencies and to suggest some future directions.