Quantum Reciprocity Conjecture for the Non-Equilibrium Steady State

TL;DR

This paper proposes a quantum reciprocity conjecture for non-equilibrium steady states, suggesting certain observables exhibit time-symmetry and satisfy Onsager relations, with validation in a quantum dot model.

Contribution

It introduces a novel conjecture linking time-symmetry in quantum observables to non-equilibrium steady states and demonstrates its validity in a specific quantum dot model.

Findings

Conjecture holds for a resonant level model of a multi-lead quantum dot.

Identifies a set of observables with time-insensitive response functions.

Systems satisfying the conjecture can be described by an effective free energy.

Abstract

By considering the lack of history dependence in the non-equilibrium steady state of a quantum system we are led to conjecture that in such a system, there is a set of quantum mechanical observables whose retarded response functions are insensitive to the arrow of time, and which consequently satisfy a quantum analog of the Onsager reciprocity relations. Systems which satisfy this conjecture can be described by an effective Free energy functional. We demonstrate that the conjecture holds in a resonant level model of a multi-lead quantum dot.