Violation of Detailed Balance in Quantum Open Systems

Abstract

We consider the dynamics of a quantum system immersed in a dilute gas at thermodynamics equilibrium using a quantum Markovian master equation derived by applying the low-density limit technique. It is shown that the Gibbs state at the bath temperature is always stationary while the detailed balance condition at this state can be violated beyond the Born approximation. This violation is generically related to the absence of time-reversal symmetry for the scattering T-matrix, which produces a thermalization mechanism that allows the presence of persistent probability and heat currents at thermal equilibrium. This phenomenon is illustrated by a model of an electron hopping between three quantum dots in an external magnetic field.

References in corpus (3)

• Probability currents as principal characteristics in the statistical mechanics of non-equilibrium steady states
• Open system dynamics from thermodynamic compatibility
• Equilibrium forces on non-reciprocal materials

Cited by in corpus (6)

• Quantum work: Reconciling quantum mechanics and thermodynamics
• Complete Positivity and Thermal Relaxation in Quadratic Quantum Master Equations
• Thermal state preparation by repeated interactions at and beyond the Lindblad limit
• Symmetry induced enhancement in finite-time thermodynamic trade-off relations
• Exponentially accelerated relaxation and quantum Mpemba effect in open quantum systems
• Steady state of periodically driven quantum systems