Abstract
We demonstrate that in a standard thermo-electric nanodevice the current and heat flows are not only dictated by the temperature and potential gradient, but also by the external action of a local quantum observer that controls the coherence of the device. Depending on how and where the observation takes place, the direction of heat and particle currents can be independently controlled. In fact, we show that the current and heat flow in a quantum material can go against the natural temperature and voltage gradients. Dynamical quantum observation offers new possibilities for the control of quantum transport far beyond classical thermal reservoirs. Through the concept of local projections, we illustrate how we can create and directionality control the injection of currents (electronic and heat) in nanodevices. This scheme provides novel strategies to construct quantum devices with application in thermoelectrics, spintronic injection, phononics, and sensing among others. In particular, highly efficient and selective spin injection might be achieved by local spin projection techniques.
Highlights
Classical non-equilibrium thermodynamics was developed to understand the flow of particles and energy between multiple heat and particle reservoirs.[1]
The best-known example is Clausius’ formulation of the second law of thermodynamics stating that heat cannot flow from a cold bath to a hot one.[2]. This is firmly based on the assumption that a macroscopic body in equilibrium is characterized by a single parameter: its temperature
Adding an external bias voltage would dynamics of the energy and particle flow in the nanodevice. While in this configuration energy can be exchanged via the baths, particle current is corralled inside the device
Summary
Classical non-equilibrium thermodynamics was developed to understand the flow of particles and energy between multiple heat and particle reservoirs.[1]. For the sake of simplicity in all this work, we set the external voltage gradient between the reservoirs to zero; all effects in heat and particle flows come from the thermal gradient and the quantum observer alone.
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