Fluctuation theorem in quantum heat conduction

Keiji Saito, Abhishek Dhar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

159 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We consider steady-state heat conduction across a quantum harmonic chain connected to reservoirs modeled by infinite collection of oscillators. The heat, Q, flowing across the oscillator in a time interval τ is a stochastic variable and we study the probability distribution function P(Q). We compute the exact generating function of Q at large τ and the large deviation function. The generating function has a symmetry satisfying the steady-state fluctuation theorem without any quantum corrections. The distribution P(Q) is non-Gaussian with clear exponential tails. The effect of finite τ and nonlinearity is considered in the classical limit through Langevin simulations. We also obtain the prediction of quantum heat current fluctuations at low temperatures in clean wires.

Original languageEnglish
Article number180601
JournalPhysical review letters
Volume99
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007 Oct 31
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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