English

Maximally efficient quantum thermal machines: The basic principles

Quantum Physics 2010-09-15 v1

Abstract

Following the result by Skrzypczyk et al., arXiv:1009.0865, that certain self-contained quantum thermal machines can reach Carnot efficiency, we discuss the functioning of self-contained quantum thermal machines and show, in a very general case, that they can reach the Carnot efficiency limit. Most importantly, the full analytical solution for the functioning of the machines is not required; the efficiency can be deduced from a very small number of fundamental and highly intuitive equations which capture the core of the problem.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1009.2536,
  title  = {Maximally efficient quantum thermal machines: The basic principles},
  author = {Sandu Popescu},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1009.2536},
  year   = {2010}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-21T16:13:27.647Z