A Green's function perspective on the nonequilibrium thermodynamics of open quantum systems strongly coupled to baths Nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics

We give a nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) perspective on thermodynamics formulations for open quantum systems that are strongly coupled to baths. A scattering approach implying thermodynamic consideration of a supersystem (system plus baths) that is weakly coupled to external superbaths is compared with the consideration of thermodynamics of a system that is strongly coupled to its baths. We analyze both approaches from the NEGF perspective and argue that the latter yields a possibility of thermodynamic formulation consistent with a dynamical (quantum transport) description.

Automated summary

In this study, a non-equilibrium Green's function perspective was used to explore thermodynamic formulations for open quantum systems strongly coupled to baths. A scattering approach and a consideration of thermodynamics of a system strongly coupled to its baths were compared. It was argued that the latter approach could lead to a thermodynamic formulation consistent with a dynamic quantum transport description.