Heat, molecular vibrations, and adiabatic driving in non-equilibrium transport through interacting quantum dots

F. Haupt, M. Leijnse, H. L. Calvo, L. Classen, J. Splettstoesser, M. R. Wegewijs

Published 2013-06-18Version 1

In this article we review aspects of charge and heat transport in interacting quantum dots and molecular junctions under stationary and time-dependent non-equilibrium conditions due to finite electrical and thermal bias. In particular, we discuss how a discrete level spectrum can be beneficial for thermoelectric applications, and investigate the detrimental effects of molecular vibrations on the efficiency of a molecular quantum dot as an energy converter. In addition, we consider the effects of a slow time-dependent modulation of applied voltages on the transport properties of a quantum dot and show how this can be used as a spectroscopic tool complementary to standard dc-measurements. Finally, we combine time-dependent driving with thermoelectrics in a double-quantum dot system - a nanoscale analogue of a cyclic heat engine - and discuss its operation and the main limitations to its performance.