Quantum coherence-control of thermal energy transport: The V model as a case study

Abstract: Here, we study a minimal model, the three-level V system coupled to two heat baths, and investigate the role of quantum coherences in heat transport in both the transient regime and in the nonequilibrium steady-state. In our model, energy is exchanged between the baths through two parallel pathways, which can be made distinct through the nondegeneracy of excited levels (energy splitting $\Delta$) and a control parameter $\alpha$, which adjusts the strength of one of the arms. Using a nonsecular quantum master equation of Redfield form, we succeed in deriving closed-form expressions for the quantum coherences and the heat current in the steady state limit for closely degenerate excited levels. By including three ingredients in our analysis: nonequilibrium baths, nondegeneracy of levels, and asymmetry of pathways, we show that quantum coherences are generated and sustained in the V model in the steady-state limit if three conditions, conjoining thermal and coherent effects are simultaneously met: (i) The two baths are held at different temperatures. (ii) Bath-induced pathways do not interfere destructively. (iii) Thermal rates do not mingle with the control parameter $\alpha$ to destroy interferences through an effective local equilibrium condition. We find that coherences are maximized when the heat current is suppressed. On the other hand, the secular Redfield quantum master equation is shown to fail in a broad range of parameters. Although we mainly focus on analytical results in the steady state limit, numerical simulations reveal that the transient behavior of coherences contrasts the steady-state limit, suggesting that different mechanisms are at play in these two regimes. Enhancing either the lifetime of transient coherences or their magnitude at steady state thus requires the control and optimization of different physical parameters.