A multifunctional quantum thermal device: with and without inner coupling

TL;DR

This paper explores a three-level quantum system connected to three thermal baths, demonstrating its multifunctional thermal capabilities and the influence of inner coupling and quantum coherence on these functions.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum thermal device that can act as a valve, refrigerator, amplifier, and thermometer, analyzing the effects of inner coupling and coherence.

Findings

Inner coupling enhances certain thermal functions.

Quantum coherence impacts device performance.

A high-sensitivity low-temperature thermometer is feasible without inner coupling.

Abstract

A three-level system attached to three thermal baths is manipulated to be a microscopic thermal device integrating a valve, a refrigerator, an amplifier, and a thermometer in the quantum regime, via tuning the inner coupling strength of the system and the temperatures of the external baths. We discuss the role of the inner coupling as well as the steady-state quantum coherence in these thermal functions using the Redfield master equation under a partial secular approximation. A high-sensitive thermometer for the low-temperature terminal can be established without the assistance from the inner coupling of the system. Our study of this multifunctional thermal device provides a deeper insight to the underlying quantum thermodynamics associated with the quantum coherence.