Quantum Thermodynamics: Inside-Outside Perspective

Abstract

We introduce an energy-resolved variant of quantum thermodynamics for open systems strongly coupled to their baths. The approach generalizes the Landauer-Buttiker inside-outside duality method [Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 107701 (2018)] to interacting systems subjected to arbitrary external driving. It is consistent with the underlying dynamical quantum transport description and is capable of overcoming limitations of the only other consistent approach [New J. Phys. 12, 013013 (2010)]. We illustrate viability of the generalized inside-outside method with numerical simulations for generic junction models.