From the GKLS equation to the theory of solar and fuel cells

Abstract

The mathematically sound theory of quantum open systems, formulated in the 70-ties of XX century and highlighted by the discovery of Gorini-Kossakowski-Lindblad-Sudarshan (GKLS) equation, found a wide range of applications in various branches of physics and chemistry, notably in the field of quantum information and quantum thermodynamics. However, it took 40 years before this formalism has been applied to explain correctly the operation principles of long existing energy transducers like photovoltaic, thermoelectric and fuel cells. This long path is briefly reviewed from the personal author's perspective. Finally, the new, fully quantum model of chemical engine based on GKLS equation and applicable to fuel cells or replicators is outlined. The model illustrates the difficulty with an entirely quantum operational definition of work, comparable to the Problem of Quantum Measurement.

arXiv comment18 pages, 2 figures. Based on the talk given at the 48 Symposium on Mathematical Physics : Gorini-Kossakowski-Lindblad-Sudarshan Master Equation - 40 Years After, Toruń, June 10-12, 2016

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Cited by in corpus (8)

• Concepts of work in autonomous quantum heat engines
• Quantum energy exchange and refrigeration: A full-counting statistics approach
• Thermodynamic principles and implementations of quantum machines
• On the Floquet analysis of commutative periodic Lindbladians in finite dimension
• The problem of engines in statistical physics
• First Law of Quantum Thermodynamics in a Driven Open Two-Level System
• Markovian dynamics under weak periodic coupling
• Limitations of the Markovian approximation in the harmonic oscillator