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arXiv · 2509.14027

Quantum vs Classical Thermal Transport at Low Temperatures

Zhixing Zou·Jiangbin Gong·Jiao Wang·Giulio Casati·Giuliano Benenti
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Abstract

This work aims to understand how quantum mechanics affects heat transport at low temperatures. In the classical setting, by considering a simple paradigmatic model, our simulations reveal the emergence of Negative Differential Thermal Resistance (NDTR): paradoxically, increasing the temperature bias by lowering the cold bath temperature reduces the steady-state heat current. In sharp contrast, the quantum version of the model, treated via a Lindblad master equation, exhibits no NDTR: the heat current increases monotonically with thermal bias. This marked divergence highlights the fundamental role of quantum effects in low-temperature thermal transport and underscores the need to reconsider classical predictions when designing and optimizing nanoscale thermal devices.

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Zhixing Zou, Jiangbin Gong, Jiao Wang, Giulio Casati, Giuliano Benenti. 2025-09-17. Quantum vs Classical Thermal Transport at Low Temperatures. https://doi.org/10.1103/zl25-tjt9

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