Doctoral thesis (Dissertations and theses)
Transport and thermodynamics in driven quantum systems
Haughian, Patrick
2018
 

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Keywords :
Mesoscopic physics; Quantum dots; Thermodynamics
Abstract :
[en] This thesis studies the nonequilibrium properties of quantum dots with regard to electrical conduction as well as thermodynamics. The work documented here shows how these properties behave under the influence of time-dependent drive protocols, pursuing two main lines of inquiry. The first concerns the interplay between nanomechanics and drive: In nanomechanical systems with strong coupling between the charge and vibrational sectors, conductance is strongly suppressed, an effect known as Franck-Condon blockade. Using a model Hamiltonian for a molecular quantum dot coupled to a pair of leads, it is shown here that this blockade can be exponentially lifted by resonantly driving the dot. Moreover, a multi-drive protocol is proposed for such a system to facilitate charge pumping that enjoys the same exponential amplification. The second line of inquiry moves beyond charge transport, examining the thermodynamics of a driven quantum dot coupled to a lead. Taking a Green's function approach, it is found that the laws of thermodynamics can be formulated for arbitrary dot-lead coupling strength in the presence of dot and coupling drive, as long as the drive protocol only exhibits mild non-adiabaticity. Finally, the effects of initial states are studied in this situation, proving that the integrated work production in the long-time limit conforms to the second law of thermodynamics for a wide class of initial states and arbitrary drive and coupling strength.
Disciplines :
Physics
Author, co-author :
Haughian, Patrick ;  University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication (FSTC) > Physics and Materials Science Research Unit
Language :
English
Title :
Transport and thermodynamics in driven quantum systems
Defense date :
18 October 2018
Number of pages :
121
Institution :
Unilu - University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Degree :
DOCTEUR DE L’UNIVERSITÉ DU LUXEMBOURG EN PHYSIQUE
President :
Jury member :
Nunnenkamp, Andreas
Bruder, Christoph
Esposito, Massimiliano  
Focus Area :
Physics and Materials Science
FnR Project :
FNR7556175 - Modern Mesoscopic Systems And Applications In Nanoelectronics And Spintronics, 2014 (01/02/2015-31/07/2021) - Thomas Schmidt
Funders :
FNR - Fonds National de la Recherche [LU]
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since 25 October 2018

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