Friday 21 March 2025
Scientists have been studying the connection between quantum coherence and thermodynamic quantities for some time now, but a recent study has shed new light on this complex relationship. The research, published in a leading physics journal, explores how quantum coherence affects work and heat currents in non-equilibrium steady states.
For those who may not be familiar with the topic, quantum coherence refers to the ability of subatomic particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property is at the heart of many quantum technologies, including computers and cryptography systems. However, it’s also a crucial aspect of thermal machines, which are devices that convert heat into useful work.
In the study, researchers created a system consisting of two coupled ensembles, each containing N particles, interacting with two baths of different temperatures. The particles in an ensemble interacted with their bath either simultaneously or sequentially, leading to non-local dissipation and enabling the decomposition of work and heat currents into local and non-local components.
The team found that the non-local heat current, as well as both the local and non-local work currents, are linked to the system’s quantum coherence. In other words, the ability of particles to exist in multiple states at once plays a key role in determining how much heat is transferred and what kind of work can be done.
The researchers also provided explicit expressions for coherence-related quantities that determine the work currents under various intrasystem interactions. This means that scientists can now better understand how quantum coherence affects thermal machines and design more efficient devices.
One potential application of this research is in the development of quantum refrigerators, which are capable of cooling objects to extremely low temperatures. By harnessing the power of quantum coherence, these devices could potentially reach temperatures that are even lower than those achieved by traditional refrigeration methods.
The study also has implications for the design of quantum thermal machines, which are devices that can convert heat into useful work. By understanding how quantum coherence affects these machines, scientists may be able to create more efficient and powerful devices.
Overall, this research provides new insights into the connection between quantum coherence and thermodynamic quantities. It’s an important step towards harnessing the power of quantum mechanics for practical applications, and it could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as refrigeration, energy conversion, and cryptography.
Cite this article: “Quantum Coherence Unlocks New Insights into Thermal Machines and Refrigerators”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Quantum Coherence, Thermodynamics, Quantum Technology, Thermal Machines, Quantum Refrigeration, Heat Current, Work Current, Non-Locality, Quantum Mechanics, Energy Conversion.
