We develop an exact quantum thermodynamic description for a noninteracting nanoscale steady state that couples strongly with multiple reservoirs. It is demonstrated that there exists a steady-state extension of the… Click to show full abstract
We develop an exact quantum thermodynamic description for a noninteracting nanoscale steady state that couples strongly with multiple reservoirs. It is demonstrated that there exists a steady-state extension of the thermodynamic function that correctly accounts for the multiterminal Landauer-B\"uttiker formula of quantum transport of charge, energy or heat, via the nonequilibrium thermodynamic relations. Its explicit form is obtained for a single bosonic or fermionic level in the wide-band limit, and corresponding thermodynamic forces (affinities) are identified. It is also pointed out that such nonequilibrium thermodynamic relations persist for a spin-degenerate single level with local interaction.
               
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