Generalized thermodynamics of an autonomous micro-engine
Statistical Mechanics
2013-04-12 v1 Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
Quantum Physics
Abstract
We analyze an autonomous micro-engine as a closed quantum mechanical system, including the work it performs and the fuel it consumes. Our model system shows by example that it is possible to transfer energy steadily and spontaneously between fast and slow degrees of freedom, in analogy to the way combustion engines convert chemical energy into work. Having shown this possibility, we observe close analogies between the closed-system quantum dynamics of our micro-engine and the First and Second Law of Thermodynamics. From these analogies we deduce a generalized formulation of thermodynamics that remains valid on the micro-scale.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1304.3222,
title = {Generalized thermodynamics of an autonomous micro-engine},
author = {Lukas Gilz and Eike P. Thesing and James R. Anglin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1304.3222},
year = {2013}
}