Independent electrons model for open quantum systems: Landauer-Buettiker formula and strict positivity of the entropy production

TL;DR

This paper derives the Landauer-Buettiker formula for open quantum systems without assuming time reversal symmetry and proves that entropy production is strictly positive when reservoirs differ in temperature or chemical potential.

Contribution

It provides a general derivation of the Landauer-Buettiker formula from non-equilibrium steady state theory without relying on time reversal symmetry, establishing strict positivity of entropy production.

Findings

Derivation of Landauer-Buettiker formula from NESS theory

Proof of strict positivity of entropy production under specified conditions

No assumption of time reversal symmetry in the derivation

Abstract

A general argument leading from the formula for currents through an open noninteracting mesoscopic system given by the theory of non-equilibrium steady states (NESS) to the Landauer-Buettiker formula is pointed out. Time reversal symmetry is not assumed. As a consequence it follows that, as far as the system has a nontrivial scattering theory and the reservoirs have different temperatures and/or chemical potentials, the entropy production is strictly positive.