Anomalous thermodiffusion, absolute negative mobility and reverse heat transport in a single quantum dot

TL;DR

This paper explores unusual transport phenomena in a single quantum dot system, revealing conditions where thermodiffusion, mobility, and heat flow behave counterintuitively without violating thermodynamic laws.

Contribution

It demonstrates the occurrence of anomalous thermodiffusion, negative mobility, and reverse heat transport in a quantum dot, expanding understanding of quantum transport phenomena.

Findings

Identification of parameter regimes for anomalous transport behaviors

Reversible energy level as a key factor in negative mobility and heat flow

Distinct from thermoelectric effects, offering new insights into quantum transport

Abstract

We investigate the steady-state transport characteristics of a quantum dot system consisting of a single energy level embedded between two reservoirs under the influence of both the temperature gradient and bias voltage. Within tailored parameter regimes, the system can exhibit three counterintuitive transport phenomena of anomalous thermodiffusion, absolute negative mobility and reverse heat transport respectively. These counterintuitive phenomena do not violate the second law of thermodynamics. Moreover, absolute negative mobility and reverse heat transport can be identified by a reversible energy level. These anomalous transports are different from thermoelectric transports and provide different perspectives for a more comprehensive understanding of the transport characteristics of quantum systems.