We apply periodic control to realize a quantum thermal transistor, which we term as the Floquet quantum thermal transistor. Periodic modulation allows us to control the heat flows and achieve large amplification factors even for fixed bath temperatures. Importantly, this transistor effect persists in the cutoff region, where traditional quantum thermal transistors operating in the absence of periodic modulation, fail to act as viable heat modulation devices.

We have constructed a unified framework for generalizing the finite-time thermodynamic behavior of statistically distinct bosonic and fermionic Stirling cycles with regenerative characteristics. In our formalism, working fluids consisting of particles obeying Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein statistics are treated on equal footing and modeled as a collection of noninteracting harmonic and fermionic oscillators. In terms of the frequency and population of the two oscillators, we have provided an interesting generalization for the definitions of heat and work that are valid for classical as well as nonclassical working fluids. Based on a generic setting under finite-time relaxation dynamics, nice results on low- and high-temperature heat transfer rates are derived. Characterized by equal power, efficiency, entropy production, cycle time, and coefficient of performance, the thermodynamic equivalence between two types of Stirling cycles is established in the low-temperature “quantum” regime.

We propose a minimal model of a Coulomb-coupled fermionic quantum dot thermal diode that can act as an efficient thermal switch and exhibit complete rectification behavior, even in the presence of a small temperature gradient. Using two well-defined dimensionless system parameters, universal characteristics of the optimal heat current conditions are identified. It is shown to be independent of any system parameter and is obtained only at the mean transitions point “−0.5”, associated with the equilibrium distribution of the two fermionic reservoirs, tacitly referred to as “universal magic mean”.

We introduce a simplified model for a three-terminal quantum thermocouple consisting of two strongly coupled quantum dots. To elucidate spin-dependent Seebeck and Peltier effects, we employ a microscopic Hamiltonian and map the Lindblad master equation onto a quantum transition network, capturing the key working principles for both reciprocal effects. Our analysis reveals quantum thermodynamic networks encompassing both Coulomb interaction and spin-flipping processes, lead to the emergence of spin-thermolectric effects. Using algebraic graph theory, we recover the phenomenological law of irreversible thermodynamics from the stochastic version of the entropy production rate expressed in terms of cycle flux and cycle forces. Remarkably, Onsager reciprocity and Kelvin relation for transport coefficients find their premises in the properties of cycle flux trajectories within the quantum transition network. This underscores the universal generality of thermodynamic principles across classical and quantum realms, despite their fundamentally different basis from classical laws of irreversible thermodynamics relying on local equilibrium assumptions.

We introduce a top-ranked cycle flux ranking scheme of network analysis to assess the performance of molecular junction solar cells. By mapping the Lindblad master equation to the quantum-transition network, we propose a microscopic Hamiltonian description underpinning the rate equations commonly used to characterize molecular photocells. Our approach elucidates the paramount significance of edge flux and unveils two pertinent electron transfer pathways that play equally important roles in robust photocurrent generation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nonradiative loss processes impede the maximum power efficiency of photocells, which may otherwise be above the Curzon-Ahlborn limit. These findings shed light on the intricate functionalities that govern molecular photovoltaics and offer a comprehensive approach to address them in a systematic way.

We use full counting statistics to study fluctuations and optimal control in a three-terminal Floquet quantum thermal transistor. We model the setup using three qubits (termed as the emitter, collector, and base) coupled to three thermal baths. As shown in Gupt et al (2022 Phys. Rev. E 106 024110), one can achieve a significant change in the emitter and collector currents through a small change in the base current, thereby achieving thermal transistor operation. We quantify fluctuations using variance, Fano factor and thermodynamic uncertainty relation (TUR). We have proposed analytical lower bounds to the Fano factor and TUR ratios, and verified the same using examples of sinusoidal and π -flip modulations. We also use optimal control through the Chopped Random Basis optimization protocol in order to significantly enhance the amplification obtained in the transistor, or alternatively, to reduce the Fano factor. Importantly, we identify regime of ideal operation in the parameter space, characterized by high amplification and low Fano factor, as well as regime of worst performance, associated with large Fano factor, without a substantial enhancement in the amplification. Interestingly, optimization protocol allows us to reach the analytical lower bound of the Fano factor. We expect our results will be highly relevant for developing heat modulation devices in near-term quantum technologies.