Carnot's theorem for nonthermal stationary reservoirs

Abstract: Carnot's theorem poses a fundamental limit on the maximum efficiency achievable from an engine that works between two reservoirs at thermal equilibrium. We extend this result to the case of arbitrary nonthermal stationary reservoirs, even with quantum coherence. In order to do this we prove that a single nonthermal reservoir is formally equivalent to multiple equilibrium ones. Finally, we discuss the possibility of realizing an engine that works at unit efficiency by exploiting quantum coherence present in the reservoir.