Theory of single-electron heat engines coupled to electromagnetic environments

Abstract

We introduce a new class of mesoscopic heat engines consisting of a tunnel junction coupled to a linear thermal bath. Work is produced by transporting electrons up against a voltage bias like in ordinary thermoelectrics but heat is transferred by microwave photons, allowing the heat bath to be widely separated from the electron system. A simple and generic formalism capable of treating a variety of different types of junctions and environments is presented. We identify the systems and conditions required for maximal efficiency and maximal power. High efficiencies are possible with quantum dot arrays but high power can also be achieved with metallic systems.

8 pages, 2 figures

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