Quantum versus Classical Thermal Transport at Low Temperatures
Abstract
This Letter 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: 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 negative differential thermal resistance: 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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Thermal properties of materials
Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices
Thermography and Photoacoustic Techniques
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Review Letters
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 136
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 066305–066305
- Publication date
- 26 January 2026
- Language
- EN