Demon-free quantum Brownian motors

A quantum Smoluchowski equation is put forward that consistently describes thermal quantum states. In particular, it notably does not induce a violation of the second law of thermodynamics. This so modified kinetic equation is applied to study {\it analytically} directed quantum transport at strong...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2004-02
Main Authors: Machura, L, Kostur, M, Hänggi, P, Talkner, P, uczka, J L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Kinetic equations
Quantum phenomena
Quantum transport
Quantum tunnelling
Thermodynamics
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A quantum Smoluchowski equation is put forward that consistently describes thermal quantum states. In particular, it notably does not induce a violation of the second law of thermodynamics. This so modified kinetic equation is applied to study {\it analytically} directed quantum transport at strong friction in arbitrarily shaped ratchet potentials that are driven by nonthermal two-state noise. Depending on the mutual interplay of quantum tunneling and quantum reflection these quantum corrections can induce both, either a sizable enhancement or a suppression of transport. Moreover, the threshold for current reversals becomes markedly shifted due to such quantum fluctuations.
ISSN:2331-8422
DOI:10.48550/arxiv.0402116